In Starfield, if players commit crimes like stealing, attacking someone, or destroying ships, they get a bounty placed on them by the factions that control the area. The more serious the crime, the higher the bounty. This bounty is known across that faction’s territory, so if players enter a system where they’ve committed a crime, they’ll immediately be recognized as a criminal. While interesting, this system needs to be overhauled by the upcoming Starborn DLC.

https://screenrant.com/starfield-starborn-dlc-outlaw-system-bounties-op-ed/