Transcript 14 organized crime

ORGANIZED CRIME
Characteristics of Organized Crime
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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:
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…synonymous with “Mafia,” which is one of many
organized crime groups
…associated with political terrrorism, at least not
directly
OC Illicit Activities
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Illicit drug distribution
“Loan sharking”
Prostitution
Cargo theft
“Fencing” expensive items
OC “money laundering”
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2 forms:
 Offshore
banking
 Establishing legitimate businesses
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3 characteristics of OC-susceptible businesses
 Low
tech
 Uniform products/services
 Rigid markets (demand is consistent, stable)
Money laundering, continued
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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
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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.