Serious and Organised Crime Nexuses (SOC-NEX): A Scoping Review and Synthesis v1

Introduction This scoping review examines empirical evidence on the connections ("nexuses") between serious and organised crime and other major threats—specifically terrorism, state threats, and armed conflict. Despite growing policy relevance, this topic remains underexplored, with existing research fragmented across disciplines and lacking conceptual coherence. The objective is to systematically map the extent, nature, and mechanisms of organised crime nexuses, identify knowledge gaps, and assess the methodological quality of the literature. Methods and Analysis The review will follow the PRISMA-ScR framework. Searches will be conducted across databases such as Scopus, Westlaw, and ProQuest, covering the period 1980–2025. Inclusion criteria are based on the Population, Concept, and Context (PCC) framework. Two independent reviewers will pilot the screening process and extract data, with discrepancies resolved by consensus. Key data extraction variables include, but are not limited to, organised crime type, methodological design, and nature of the nexus. Data will be synthesised narratively and visually to highlight patterns, gaps, and policy implications. Ethics and Dissemination Ethical approval is not required, as only publicly available data will be used. Findings will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication. Conclusion This scoping review will systematically map and synthesise the empirical evidence on the nexuses between serious and organised crime and other threat domains, including terrorism, state threats, and conflict. By clarifying the scale, nature, and dynamics of these connections, the review aims to inform both academic understanding and strategic policymaking in national security contexts.