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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
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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.