NCJ Number
72966
Journal
Contemporary Crises Volume: 4 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1980) Pages: 403-420
Date Published
1980
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This British paper identifies some of the conditions which permit syndicated crime to become established and flourish and finds that only drugs and commercial sex have the potential for syndicated crime in Great Britain.
Abstract
The essential feature of the criminal syndicate is providing the public with illicit goods or services on a continuous basis. Other characteristics are the use of force to control suppliers, customers or competition; and corruption of the law enforcement officials who must be paid off, since the syndicate needs to be visible to make profits. In North America, the syndicate has succeeded in controlling such areas as gambling, drug traffic, prostitution, and pornography. However, in Great Britain, legalization of gambling in 1960, coupled with vigorous licensing have prevented syndicated crime from gaining a foothold. A similar approach has been adopted towards addiction to hard drugs which are handled in terms of treatment and their provision on prescription, coupled with recently instituted strict controls to prevent overprescribing. However, an illegal market has been found for such drugs as cannabis and LSD. Syndicated crime opportunities in Great Britain have also been found for pornography and prostitution, as the demand for these services has grown. In both cases (drugs and sex services), there is intermittent evidence of corruption of law enforcement agents. Examples of syndicated crime in Europe and Canada are given. A total of 47 reference notes are included.