Criminals go from streets to Tweets to recruit

The digital age really has hit all circles of life. Criminals from gangs to terrorists have hit the social networks to promote their “brand”, find new members, and brag about their criminal exploits.

Crime has a new face: Twitter.

Political extremists, criminals and gang members are advertising their wares, flaunting their exploits and recruiting new members in 140 characters or less, according to law enforcement authorities, criminologists and security experts.

The most shocking example occurred a week ago when the extremist group al-Shabab live-tweeted about the mall siege in Kenya, defending the mass killing, threatening more violence and taunting the military.