Organisational Challenges in US Law Enforcement’s Response to AI-Driven Cybercrime and Deepfake Fraud

The rapid rise of AI-driven cybercrime and deepfake fraud poses complex organisational challenges for US law enforcement, particularly the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Applying Maguire’s (2003) police organisation theory, this qualitative single-case study analyses the FBI’s structure, culture, technological integration, and inter-agency collaboration. Findings underscore the organisational strengths of the FBI, including a specialised Cyber Division, advanced detection tools, and partnerships with agencies such as the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). However, constraints, such as resource limitations, detection inaccuracies, inter-agency rivalries, and ethical concerns, including privacy risks associated with AI surveillance, hinder operational effectiveness. Fragmented global legal frameworks, diverse national capacities, and inconsistent detection of advanced deepfakes further complicate responses to this issue. This study proposes the establishment of agile task forces, public–private partnerships, international cooperation protocols, and ethical AI frameworks to counter evolving threats, offering scalable policy and technological solutions for global law enforcement.