ORGANIZED CRIME Characteristics of Organized Crime Conspiratorial activity
- Slides: 7
ORGANIZED CRIME
Characteristics of Organized Crime Conspiratorial activity: requires coordination of many persons Hierarchical Primary goal is economic gain Not limited to illicit services/products Predatory tactics, e. g. intimidation, violence, corruption Swift, effective control of members, associates, and victims
Organized Crime is NOT: …synonymous with “Mafia, ” which is one of many organized crime groups …associated with political terrrorism, at least not directly
OC Illicit Activities Illicit drug distribution “Loan sharking” Prostitution Cargo theft “Fencing” expensive items
OC “money laundering” 2 forms: Offshore banking Establishing legitimate businesses 3 characteristics of OC-susceptible businesses Low tech Uniform products/services Rigid markets (demand is consistent, stable)
Money laundering, continued 5 methods for selection and control of legitimate enterprises OC looks for businesses that will provide a convenient “front” OC will engage in predatory exploitation (eg, demand protection money) OC will organise monopolies/cartels to limit competition OC will gain advantages over competition by bribing uions/politicians OC will illegally manipulate legal vehicles, like stocks
The Mafia Myth Alien Conspiracy Theory The idea that all organized crime groups are working together under an umbrella is groundless and mythical, but one that OC exploits to give the impression of omnipotence.
