Terrorism, organised crime and threat mitigation in a globalised world

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 951-961
Author(s):  
Yara El Siwi
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Paradigm Shift ◽  
Organised Crime ◽  
Global Networks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Subsequent Section ◽  
Threat Mitigation ◽  
Organised Crime Groups ◽  
The Cold War ◽  
Substantial Interest

Purpose The gruesome attacks of 11 September 2001 signalled a powerful paradigm shift in international politics: governments previously accustomed to military menaces were now being increasingly threatened by independent, non-state actors. Consequently, a plethora of literature emerged, looking to better understand the nature of these actors. An aspect that has attracted substantial interest is the inter-relation between terrorism and organised crime (OC). This paper aims to answer the question as to whether, for the purpose of controlling and mitigating the threat they pose to society, there is meaning in differentiating between terrorist organisations (TOs) and organised crime groups (OCGs). Design/methodology/approach The first section of the paper will provide an account of the various kinds of threats posed by OCGs and TOs. The subsequent section will question whether it is possible, in today’s globalised era, to distinguish between these two actors, while the last sections will ask if such a differentiation is desirable. Findings OCGs and TOs display a clear divergence: the former’s motivation is financial while the latter’s political. With the end of the Cold War, however, each type of organisation has been building up the capabilities of the other, helped by the force of global networks. As such, these two actors now exist within the same body – a continuum – that renders their separation difficult. As to the question of desirability, the separation of the two phenomena has often led to the adoption of highly disproportionate militarised and securitised measures, resulting in a dangerous blending of law enforcement and security service methodology. Originality/value Many have argued for the separation of the “terrorist” from the “criminal”, on the grounds that the former is particularly heinous and deserving of more severe measures. Others have studied the evolution of these two phenomena to understand whether the lines separating them have been blurring and the extent to which this affects law-enforcement. This paper goes beyond notions of feasibility and poses the following question: has the traditional separation of these phenomena led to a desirable regime?

Early identification and intervention with individuals at risk of becoming involved in serious and organised crime (SOC)

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mick Hurley ◽  
Laura Jane Boulton
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Organised Crime ◽  
Law Enforcement Agencies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stage Process ◽  
Organised Crime Groups ◽  
Preventative Interventions

Purpose This paper aims to examine the “engage” pilot project and related processes for identifying individuals vulnerable to becoming involved in serious and organised crime groups (OCGs). Design/methodology/approach In this, a six-stage process developed in the five pilot sites to guide interventions is described. The project identified 18 individuals who have confirmed low level involvement in OCGs based in 5 areas of Greater Manchester by combining risk factors and the connecting of records held by law enforcement agencies. Findings Key risk factors found to be associated with the 18 individuals identified are described in relation to literature and discussed in terms of future intervention possibilities. A brief description of the key findings of the evaluation of the pilot project is also included. Originality/value Together these findings are discussed to explore the challenges of preventative interventions tailored towards young people already involved in criminality and offers recommendations for future programmes in this field.

Colombian border violence will Venezuela worsen crisis

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Armed Forces ◽  
Organised Crime ◽  
Border Crossings ◽  
Armed Groups ◽  
Military Operations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Criminal Violence ◽  
Organised Crime Groups

Significance The closure of border crossings since March 2020 has fuelled violent competition for control of lucrative informal crossings (trochas) and frontier towns. However, the Venezuelan military is ill-prepared to deal with the expanding presence of Colombia’s irregular armed groups. Recent incursions highlight weaknesses in the Venezuelan armed forces, which have suffered casualties. Impacts The penetration of organised crime groups into Venezuela’s disintegrating state and economy will continue to intensify. Organised criminal violence coupled with the violence of military operations will fuel displacement, COVID and civilian casualties. A speedy, negotiated solution to Venezuela’s political impasse is needed to preclude fusion with Colombia’s own protracted insurgency.

Organised crime goes online: realities and challenges

2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Lavorgna
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Organised Crime ◽  
Research Field ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internet Crime ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Police Records ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to provide an empirically based description of how the Internet is exploited by different types of organised crime groups (OCGs), ranging from Italian mafia-style groups to looser gangs. Design/methodology/approach – The article relies on a dataset collected from mid-2011 to mid-2013 and, specifically, on semi-structured interviews to law enforcement officials and acknowledged experts in Italy, the UK, the USA and The Netherlands; judicial transcripts; police records; and media news. Findings – This article provides an account of the main scope for which the Internet has been used for various criminal activities traditionally associated with the organised crime rhetoric, first and foremost, cross-border trafficking activities. This study also discusses some current legal and policy approaches to deal with OCGs operating online. Originality/value – This contribution addresses an under-investigated research field and aims to foster a reflection on the opportunity to integrate Internet crime research, and even more Internet crime investigations, into the everyday routines of criminologists, analysts and law enforcement officers.

Prospects for Mexico and Central America in 2016

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Central America ◽  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Organised Crime ◽  
State Violence ◽  
Border Security ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Security Issues ◽  
Economic Slowdown ◽  
Organised Crime Groups

Subject Prospects for Mexico and Central America in 2016. Significance Mexico and Central America will weather the economic slowdown that is affecting many emerging economies in 2016, with most countries doing well by broader regional standards. Security and governance are causes for concern regionwide. Both criminal and state violence will be major issues in Mexico and northern Central America, with increasing migration giving organised crime groups opportunities to diversify and potentially spread south, and heavy-handed policing exacerbating insecurity. Border security issues have the potential to strain relations between countries, while allegations of corruption will challenge governments, with numerous politicians potentially facing trial.

Follow the money to achieve success: achievable or aspirational

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 425-436 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas Alan McTaggart
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Money Laundering ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organised Crime ◽  
Economic Crime ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Terrorist Financing ◽  
The Subject

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the extent to which organised crime and the environment have altered in relation to money laundering and terrorist financing and to explore whether strategies to “follow the money” have been successful. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on personal analysis and involvement as a practitioner in law enforcement and includes a broad literature review on the subject of terrorist financing and money laundering. Findings Money laundering, terrorist financing and economic crime activity are being disguised in the “noise” of business by specialists that have become very adept at their craft. Financial institutions and lawmakers have invested heavily in countering money laundering and terrorist financing. However, its real effectiveness is somewhat doubtful. Originality/value This paper serves to stimulate further discussion and research on how all actors can increase collaboration and co-operation to increase the effectiveness of disruption strategies associated with these classes of crime.

POLICE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST ORGANISED CRIME — POLICE TASKS

2021 ◽  
Vol 141 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-18
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Araucz-Boruc
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Organised Crime ◽  
Police Investigation ◽  
Sense Of Security ◽  
Law Enforcement Agency ◽  
The Face ◽  
Organised Crime Groups ◽  
Central Police

n the face of the emerging new threats related to the development of civilisation, organised crime groups are becoming increasingly active at various levels of social life. The intensifi ed activity of organised crime groups affects the citizens’ sense of security, and therefore appropriate measures are taken to detect, combat and counteract such threats. The article indicates the basic tasks of the Police in relation to individual areas of activity of organised crime groups, and shows the role of the Central Police Investigation Bureau as a law enforcement agency in combatting organised crime.

The digital transformation of intelligence analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 393-411 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Lawrence Ashwell
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
Organised Crime ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Intelligence Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Share Data ◽  
Web Social

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the potential of digital transformation and innovation opportunities for intelligence analysis. Its focus is the development of individuals to exploit data and information technologies to better understand and counter organised criminal networks. Design/methodology/approach The methodology adopted consisted of an extensive literature review and interview with practitioners in digital technology and transformation focused on intelligence, crime and terrorism, plus practical experience and field study. Findings Phenomena including the World Wide Web, social media and interconnectedness are influencing all aspects of human activity. Effective digital transformation, focusing on data, information technologies and people bestows significant competitive advantage upon those who have transformed. Applications are making previously complex processes and tasks easier for individuals to understand and exploit. An activity-based intelligence (ABI) model provides a platform for intelligence transformation. ABI provides a foundation from which to better fuse and share data to understand and resolve complex human (wicked) problems. To counter increasingly fast-moving organised crime networks, law enforcement needs to quickly transform. Originality/value This paper serves as a guide to alert and educate law enforcement professionals of the potential of digital transformation and associated evolving intelligence processes. It offers an appreciation of the nature of organisations, and the role of innovation within those organisation, required to better appreciate and tackle complex, human network challenges such as organised crime. It reveals the emergence and importance of an increasingly applications-based culture and the potential of this culture to simplify and exploit previously complex, expert-based processes.

Exploring infiltration behaviour by organised crime groups

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariska Fourie ◽  
Philip Steenkamp ◽  
Jacqui-Lyn McIntyre-Louw ◽  
Clinton Oellermann
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organised Crime ◽  
Business Decision ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Legal Market ◽  
Criminal Opportunities ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
Organised Crime Groups ◽  
Organic As

Purpose This paper aims to provide a holistic view of infiltration behaviour by organised crime groups (OCGs), with a specific focus on the methods used to access the legal market, including factors that drive an organised crime group to pursue infiltration. The act of infiltration is examined as a business decision; therefore, factors such as the surrounding community, the availability of criminal opportunities and broader implications, are considered. Design/methodology/approach Initially, the concept of an organised crime group is explored by, where possible, identifying trends in behaviour and structure. The act of infiltration is dissected, including the infiltration behaviour of OCGs and their related decision-making processes. Findings Infiltration actions are complex; therefore, any countervailing combatting and preventative actions will need to follow suit. OCGs pursue infiltration only when deemed feasible and to their benefit in furthering their illicit actions. Criminal opportunities are pursued across the entire economic sector. When these groups participate in a legal market, their criminality infects the healthy market and leaves it ill and contagious to the rest of the licit economy. Originality/value Infiltration is organic, as it indicates growth or adjustment to changing market conditions. Criminal opportunities are widespread, and their creation is often unintentional–the legal economy casts a shadow. Combatting organised crime, entrenched in the lawful community, requires that the focus should be on the susceptibility of potential infiltration targets through the possible infiltration methods. Furthermore, a broader perspective is needed when considering the underlying motivation for infiltration–it may not only be to generate profit.

Illicit gun, drug and cigarette markets are thriving

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Drug Market ◽  
The United States ◽  
Organised Crime ◽  
Gun Control ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Terrorist Activity ◽  
Policy Experimentation ◽  
Illicit Markets ◽  
Terrorist Groups

Subject The outlook for illicit markets. Significance The recent increase in terrorist activity worldwide has drawn attention to three illicit markets: firearms, drugs and cigarettes. Firearms are a highly lethal weapon of choice for terrorists, but homicides using firearms kill almost 18 times more people than terrorist attacks using firearms every year around the world. The global drug market continues to adjust to law enforcement interventions, with only marginal links to terrorist groups. The illicit cigarette trade kills 700,000 people annually, and fuels corruption and organised crime. Impacts Increasing terrorist activity worldwide will raise further attention on these issues. Renewed gun control efforts are expected in Europe, and to a lesser extent in the United States. Further policy experimentation will occur on tackling the drug trade, including through cannabis regulation.

Early ceasefire boosts peace prospects in Colombia

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Organised Crime ◽  
Peace Treaty ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Peace Agreement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Political Upheaval ◽  
To Come ◽  
Organised Crime Groups

Significance Originally expected to come into force only after the official signing of a peace treaty, the permanent ceasefire was moved forward, demonstrating both the faith of each side in the strength of the peace agreement, and the possible fluidity of scheduled events over the coming weeks. Impacts Increased security in some areas will allow increased investment and development. The good press Colombia will receive may see a tourism boost in the wake of the peace agreement. Nevertheless, FARC demobilisation will cause major socio-political upheaval and could trigger a short-term uptick in violence. The failure of guerrilla reintegration initiatives could drive many former rebels to organised crime groups.

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