NCJ Number
189825
Journal
International Centre for Criminal Law Reform and Criminal Justice Policy Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: Fall/Winter 1998 Pages: 1-3
Date Published
1998
Length
3 pages
Annotation
A United Nations committee is developing a draft International Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime to promote cooperation among governments so that they may address more effectively the aspects of organized crime that have an international dimension.
Abstract
Existing obstacles to international cooperation are sometimes political, sometimes juridical, and sometimes cultural, but they often also simply stem from the basic differences that exist between various criminal justice traditions, systems, and practices. Many of them are surmountable provided that the political will exists to do so. Specific areas that the proposed convention is expected to address include controlling money laundering; preventing criminal elements from hiding behind the protection of a corporate or other legal entity; and effective prosecution, adjudication, and sanctions. Additional areas include facilitating the confiscation of the proceeds and instrumentalities of crime, promoting the transparency of financial transactions, and facilitating extradition proceedings. Further areas include promoting mutual legal assistance and cooperation in criminal matters, preventing the corruption of public officials, and providing technical and financial assistance.