Problem statement: the article deals with the theoretical and legal aspects of criminalising subcultural informal communities having a high degree of public danger. The purposes and tasks consist of analysing the nature of subcultural communities, their structure, ideological characteristics, and mechanisms of integration into the criminal environment; examining the key characteristics of subcultural groups: their organisational structure, ideological foundations, and ways of penetrating into the criminal space. The research provides a detailed analysis of youth organisations exhibiting signs of extremist activity and unlawful behaviour, as well as the influence of modern digital platforms on disseminating destructive ideas among young people. Methods: the research is based on dialectical and historical methods of scientific cognition, analysis, induction, synthesis, as well as comparative legal and empirical methods. Brief conclusions: the following findings were made during the research. The process of globalisation and digitalisation stimulates the emergence of various subcultural communities. Some subcultural groups demonstrate a tendency towards deviant behaviour, expressed in aggressive actions, radical views and illegal activities. The involvement of young people in such movements is particularly alarming. A comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms of criminalisation of such communities is of particular importance for the prevention of such unlawful activities.