NCJ Number
150902
Editor(s)
L F Ryan Jr,
S T Letman
Date Published
1992
Length
191 pages
Annotation
This overview of organized crime indicates that the goal of organized criminal activities is economic gain or profit, that organized criminal groups often hide their activities through legitimate operations, and that many new forms of organized crime have emerged in recent years.
Abstract
The overview of organized crime encompasses government corruption, obstacles to preventing the control of organized crime, illicit commodities, factors in and the structure of organized crime, agencies involved in organized crime prevention, the gambling industry, illegitimate business activities, organized street gangs, pornography, and adolescent prostitution. The author also looks at specific organized criminal groups, including the Yakuza (Japanese Mafia), Chinese groups, and organized crime families in New York. Recently established gangs that engage in organized criminal activities and drug trafficking organizations such as the Medellin Cartel in Colombia are examined. References, notes, and figures