B.1. What are organized crimes?
Organized crime refers to a group of local, national, or transnational criminal organizations that operate centrally to engage in illegal activities for financial gain. While these groups are often driven by criminal motives, some may also be motivated by political agendas, which can include terrorist organizations, rebel groups, or separatist movements.
Criminal organizations can be referred to using various terms, such as gangs, mafia, mobs, rings, or syndicates. Sociological studies have delved into groups like the ancient Sicilian mafia, while economic research has focused on prominent crime organizations like the Russian mafia, Chinese triads, Hong Kong triads, and the Japanese Yakuza.
Organized crime is dynamic and adaptable, constantly evolving to meet new opportunities. The benefits of globalization, including quicker communication, easier movement of finances, and international travel, have inadvertently provided fertile ground for transnational organized criminal groups to thrive, diversify, and expand their operations.
Traditional, territorial-based criminal groups have evolved or have been partially replaced by smaller and more flexible networks with branches across several jurisdictions. In the course of an investigation, victims, suspects, organized criminal groups, and proceeds of crime may be located in many States.
Moreover, organized crime affects all States, whether as countries of supply, transit, or demand. As such, modern organized crime constitutes a global challenge that must be met with a concerted, global response.