Adaptation, Rationality, and Advancement: Ethnic Albanian Organized Crime in New York City

• NCJ Number: 251249
• Journal: Crime Law and Social Change Volume: 66 Issue: 1 Dated: August 2016 Pages: 1-20
• Date Published: August 2016
• Author(s): J. Arsovska; M. Temple
• Length: 20 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2012-IJ-CX-0004
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical); Report (Study/Research); Report (Grant Sponsored); Program/Project Description

Annotation

This study examined the expansion and advancement of ethnic Albanian organized crime groups in New York City.

Abstract

Many European law enforcement agencies have depicted Albanian organized crime groups as dangerous due to their ability to overcome obstacles, their propensity to use violence, and their progression from simple service providers to working within the highest echelons of international organized crime. This research focused on whether Albanian organized crime groups in New York City have developed more stable structures through the strategic acquisition of information. It sought to determine whether Albanian organized crime groups in New York have a long-term strategy for advancement; whether they are more risk-seeking and irrational than other organized crime offenders or are more risk-averse and rational; and whether they are more malleable, learning organizations. The study took both a thematic and chronological approach in examining the process of change across four key areas: 1) the structure of the criminal organizations; 2) criminal activities; 3) violence; and 4) infiltration and corruption. These issues were examined over three time periods (1975-1991; 1992-2002; and 2003-2014). The conclusions are based on content analysis of court files and official government documents, as well as interviews with law enforcement officials and Albanian organized crime offenders, inside and outside of U.S. federal prisons. (Publisher abstract modified)