Virtual Crime in Metaverse Environments

Abstract

The emergence of the metaverse—persistent, immersive, interconnected virtual ecosystems powered by extended reality (XR), AI, and blockchain—has catalyzed new forms of cybercrime that transcend traditional digital offenses. This paper investigates virtual criminality in metaverse environments, including avatar-based harassment, digital identity theft, virtual property theft, decentralized financial fraud, and immersive psychological manipulation. By analyzing case studies, technological frameworks, behavioral models, and regulatory gaps, the paper proposes the Metaverse Crime Interaction Model (MCIM) and outlines governance strategies to prevent cross-reality harm. The findings demonstrate that immersive environments intensify emotional, psychological, and financial harm, blurring the legal boundary between real-world and virtual crime.