NCJ Number
207549
Date Published
2003
Length
48 pages
Annotation
This 2002 report on organized crime in the European Union (EU) addresses overall patterns and general trends, general factors conducive to organized crime, the threat from organized crime, political and law enforcement initiatives, and recommendations.
Abstract
The report first reviews overall patterns and general trends in organized crime in the European Union. It notes two trends that emerged in the early 1990's: the geographical spread of transnational organized crime groups and international cooperation among these groups. These trends have been reinforced over the years, along with the expansion of the types of crimes committed by organized crime groups. In discussing general factors conducive to organized crime in the European Union, the report focuses on political changes, economic trends, social changes, and technological changes. Consideration of the threat from organized crime concludes that it poses a direct threat to the EU member states, as public corruption, the infiltration and control of legitimate businesses, fear among citizens, and the exploitation of technological advances have undermined the credibility, efficiency, and integrity of the domains that most affect people's lives. In describing the threat from organized crime, the report profiles major organized crime groups; the types of crime in which these groups are involved, including drug trafficking, illegal immigration and trafficking in human beings, child pornography, environmental crime, and cyber crime; and other key organized crime features. The report's section on political and law enforcement initiatives against organized crime groups describes countermeasures in the areas of political and law enforcement action, EU efforts in fighting terrorism and organized crime, measures to counter specific types of crime, transnational law enforcement cooperation, and judicial cooperation. Recommendations pertain to policies, judicial actions, operations, intelligence, and the content and function of the Organized Crime Report (OCR). Appended overview of the recommendations of the 2000 OCR