Organised criminals are using apps and encrypted messaging to evade police, senior officers believe.
The issue has been described as the biggest challenge facing police focused on breaking up organised crime groups.
Police Scotland said they made more than 2,100 arrests in relation to organised crime last year. They estimate 220 gangs are currently dealing in drugs, firearms, high-value theft, fraud and human trafficking.
Some 122 people arrested in the last 12 months were described by officers as being principal players involved in serious and organised criminal activity.
