Securing Our Future: Centennial College’s Global Cybercrime Expertise showcased at OC24 Conference

Centennial College Students Publish Article on Pig-Butchering Scams

Centennial College students have delved into the world of pig-butchering scams, a rising form of financial fraud associated with organized cybercrime. This unique opportunity was presented at the 24-Hour Conference on Global Organized Crime (OC24 Conference) by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. Faculty and students from Centennial College participated in a panel discussion focusing on the alarming increase in pig-butchering scams, which primarily target older adults and other vulnerable populations through deceptive online practices related to romance and investments. The panel aimed to shed light on the operations of these scams, the heightened risk faced by seniors, and the strategies that social service and public safety professionals can employ to combat them. To view the panel discussion from the OC24 Conference, registration is required here.

Dr. Delon Omrow, the Associate Dean of Public Safety and Community Care at Centennial College, led a team of students including Julius Warnauth, Tamara Odushu, Emily Cullen, and Chloe Choachuy in researching, presenting, and co-authoring a published article on the topic. The article, titled “Love, Lies, and Algorithms: How AI Has Industrialized Pig-Butchering Scams”, is available for reading at the Digital Life Institute website. This initiative exemplifies Centennial College’s commitment to providing students with practical experience while contributing to social welfare. We spoke with Dr. Omrow, Julius, and Tamara to gain insight into the genesis of the panel.

The Journey to Securing a Spot on the OC24 Cybercrime Panel

Dr. Omrow, an expert in organized crime and transnational environmental crime, explained the process of securing a spot on the OC24 Cybercrime Panel. He shared his longstanding collaboration with the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime and his active involvement in advancing crime prevention research. Dr. Omrow’s proposal on ‘pig butchering’ scams was selected for the panel due to its relevance in the realm of cybercrime and its association with cryptocurrency fraud and online romance scams. He emphasized the pivotal role played by his student collaborators in strengthening the proposal and ultimately securing the panel spot for Centennial College.

The Exceptional Students of Centennial College

Dr. Omrow handpicked four outstanding students from diverse programmes at Centennial College to participate in the OC24 conference panel. The students included Chloë Choachuy from the Police and Public Safety Foundations programme, Emily Cullen from Community and Justice Services, Julius Warnauth from Social Service Worker, and Tamara Odushu from Developmental Services Worker. Each student shared their motivation for choosing their respective programmes and how they aligned with their personal values and aspirations.

Exploring Cybercrime Research at Centennial College

The student team embarked on in-depth research related to cybercrime within their respective fields of study. Julius and Tamara focused on cumulative disadvantage theory and its correlation to pig-butchering scams. Tamara particularly highlighted the experiences of elderly victims of these scams, emphasizing the vulnerability of this demographic. Dr. Omrow commended the students for their analytical skills and dedication to producing accurate and relevant research.

The article produced by the students delves into the intricate workings of pig-butchering scams, portraying them as an extension of organized cybercrime where perpetrators exploit emotional connections to defraud victims of their life savings. The piece includes various case studies showcasing the devastating impact of these scams on individuals in the United States and Canada.

Building Career-Ready Skills through the OC24 Experience

Participating in the OC24 panel not only provided students with the opportunity to become published authors but also equipped them with essential career-ready skills. The experience honed their research, public speaking, teamwork, and advocacy abilities, essential for future roles in social services, public safety, and community care. Dr. Omrow’s mentorship played a crucial role in enhancing the students’ presentation skills and overall performance during the panel.

Julius and Tamara highlighted the invaluable skills they gained, including improved teamwork, research capabilities, and public speaking proficiency. They emphasized the significance of these skills in their respective fields and the importance of effective communication as advocates for vulnerable populations.

Expanding Professional Networks and Achievements

Participation in the OC24 panel not only broadened the students’ professional networks but also allowed them to achieve a significant milestone – being published academic authors. Dr. Omrow emphasized the rarity of such an accomplishment for college students and praised the students for their dedication and contribution to meaningful work. He underscored the long-lasting impact of engaging in substantial projects and the confidence and skills it instills in students for their future careers.

Centennial College’s commitment to providing hands-on experience and fostering collaboration among students and faculty prepares individuals to tackle real-world challenges and make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields. The journey of the Centennial College students in researching pig-butchering scams and contributing to the fight against cybercrime exemplifies the institution’s dedication to excellence in education and social responsibility.

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