NCJ Number
174676
Journal
Transnational Organized Crime Volume: 3 Issue: 3 Dated: Autumn 1997 Pages: 109-125
Date Published
1997
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the prevalence and nature of organized crime in Poland and the methods used to control it.
Abstract
Although the democratic transformation initiated in Poland in 1989 have brought many economic and social benefits, it has also resulted in an increase in new pathological phenomena. The possibility of unrestricted movement of people, merchandise, and capital across borders has facilitated international connections of criminal groups. Apart from the illegal manufacture and trade in addictive substances, other areas of organized criminal activity in Poland include smuggling of merchandise (otherwise subject to high taxes), trading in forged currency, and smuggling weapons and radioactive materials. Internationally oriented drug- related crime in Poland has increased in recent years, and the problem of car theft by organized criminal groups has been identified in 60 percent of Polish cities. Crime by foreign nationals includes international organized crime. Ukrainians constitute the largest group of foreign nationals involved in crime; they predominate in such crime categories as robbery, extortion, theft, and fencing. Law enforcement officials have not been prepared to deal with the onslaught of organized criminal activities. They do not have sufficient knowledge to analyze and develop effective strategies for countering this development in Poland. Laws have not yet evolved to address current crimes, and there is a lack of coordination between former and current laws. What is needed is a coordinated strategy of legislation, training, and law enforcement based in a comprehensive plan. 14 notes