Background of Topic Modern organized crime is characterized by groups of criminals, often across different countries, conducting crimes for personal monetary gain. Crimes include, human and drug trafficking, extortion, money laundering, capital fraud, premeditated assassination, etc. In some cases, crime syndicates are even powerful enough to influence election results and initiate political corruption. Interpol estimates that approximately almost a million people worldwide are operating in over 6,000 organized crime groups; as a result, it is estimated that over 1 trillion USD flows through organized crime syndicates every year (according to the CIA). These groups can be highly organized and bureaucratic in nature, due to extensive rules and operational procedures, a distinct chain of command, and multiple cells for various tasks. Notable examples include Mexican drug cartels, the Japanese Yakuza, Italian mafia, Russian mobsters, and African counter-political insurgencies.
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On one hand, goods may be manufactured in one country, trafficked across another, and marketed in a third. Conversely, rival groups constantly fight for control over an industry or territory, assassinating key leaders, intimidating local residents, and even waging outright war. The transnational nature of modern organized crime makes combatting it extremely difficult. Special police units may be able to fight organized crime in their own countries, but are easily halted once the criminals cross borders; although other countries may try and cooperate with police units, responses are considerably delayed and extradition treaties present considerable legal difficulties even when perpetrators are arrested. As a result, there is very little multinational, coordinated effort to fight organized
On one hand, goods may be manufactured in one country, trafficked across another, and marketed in a third. Conversely, rival groups constantly fight for control over an industry or territory, assassinating key leaders, intimidating local residents, and even waging outright war. The transnational nature of modern organized crime makes combatting it extremely difficult. Special police units may be able to fight organized crime in their own countries, but are easily halted once the criminals cross borders; although other countries may try and cooperate with police units, responses are considerably delayed and extradition treaties present considerable legal difficulties even when perpetrators are arrested. As a result, there is very little multinational, coordinated effort to fight organized