— by Nikki

This article explores the various facets of transnational organized crime, its impact on societies, and the collaborative efforts required to combat this pervasive issue.

_{Image Credit: We Live Security}

Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) has a long and complex history spanning centuries. Article III, titled “Scope of Application,” Section II of the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime defines transnational criminal activity under the following conditions:
“(a) Committed in more than one state;
(b) Committed in one state but with substantial preparation, planning, direction, or control occurring in another state;
(c) Committed in one state but involving an organized criminal group engaging in criminal activities across multiple states;
(d) Committed in one state but having substantial effects in another state.”

Early Beginnings: Piracy and Smuggling (17th-19th Centuries)
Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) traces its roots to piracy and smuggling, dating back to the 17th century (Abbot, 2018). Pirates and smugglers exploited weak law enforcement and lucrative markets, operating across national borders. As global trade expanded, so did opportunities for TOC.

The Rise of Modern Organized Crime (20th Century)
The 20th century marked the rise of modern organized crime, with powerful crime syndicates emerging in the United States, Italy, and Japan (Lyman & Potter, 2015). These syndicates engaged in extortion, money laundering, and narcotics trafficking.

Globalization and the Expansion of TOC (Late 20th Century-Present)
The late 20th century saw TOC expand significantly, fueled by globalization and technological advances (Shelley, 2014). Criminal groups began operating across multiple countries, exploiting gaps in international law enforcement and seizing new opportunities for illicit profits.

Forms of Transnational Organized Crime

TOC encompasses a variety of illicit activities, including:

Money Laundering: The concealment of the origins of illicitly obtained funds.

Narcotics Trafficking: The production, transportation, and distribution of illicit drugs.

Human Trafficking: The recruitment, transportation, and exploitation of individuals for labor or sex.

Cybercrime: The use of technology to commit crimes such as hacking, identity theft, and online fraud.

Environmental Crime: The illegal trade in wildlife, timber, and other natural resources, including poaching.

Causes of Transnational Organized Crime

1. Globalization: The increased flow of goods, services, and people across national borders has created new opportunities for TOC.
2. Poverty and Inequality: In many countries, poverty and inequality have fostered an environment where TOC can thrive.
3. Corruption: Corruption among government officials and law enforcement agencies can facilitate TOC by providing cover for illicit activities.
4. Technological Evolution: The internet and other technologies have enabled TOC groups to communicate, coordinate, and commit crimes more easily.

Impact on Society

TOC has a subtle and latent effect that may not be immediately apparent, yet it undermines economic development, corrupts institutions, and threatens human security (World Bank, 2018). The implications of TOC extend beyond immediate criminal activities, posing serious threats to:

• Public Safety: TOC can lead to increased violence, intimidation, and the exploitation of vulnerable populations.
• Public Health: The trafficking of counterfeit medicines can lead to widespread health crises, particularly in low-income countries where regulatory frameworks are weak.
• Democratic Institutions: TOC can undermine governance structures and erode public trust in institutions by infiltrating key sectors like finance and transportation.
• Economic Stability: TOC can disrupt global supply chains, reduce economic competitiveness, and lead to economic instability.

The intertwining of TOC with legitimate businesses can further exacerbate these issues, highlighting the need to study the root causes of the phenomenon to mitigate its consequences on society.

References

1. Abbot, K. W. (2018). The concept of transnational organized crime. In P. Andreas & K. M. Greenhill (Eds.), Sex, Drugs, and Body Counts: The Politics of Numbers in Global Crime and Conflict (pp. 23-40). Cornell University Press.

2. Lyman, M. D., & Potter, G. W. (2015). Organized crime. Pearson.

3. Shelley, L. (2014). Dirty entanglements: Corruption, crime, and terrorism. Cambridge University Press

4. SIPRI. (2022). Transnational organized crime: A threat to global public goods.

5. World Drug Report 2020.World Bank. (2018). World Development Report 2018: Learning to Realize Education’s Promise.

6. Wikipedia contributors. (2022, August 10). Transnational organized crime. Wikipedia(https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transnational_organized_crime#cite_ref-24)