NCJ Number
198196
Date Published
2000
Length
32 pages
Annotation
This report presents a comprehensive view of organized crime groups and their activities across Canada.
Abstract
This 2000 annual report on organized crime in Canada is based on intelligence and data received from Canadian and international law enforcement agencies. The goals of the report are two-fold: to inform the public about the incidence of organized crime in Canada and to solicit the help from the public in fighting this type of criminal activity. This report contains information about Asian and East European-based organized crime groups, Italian-based organized crime groups, and outlaw motorcycle gangs. Also included in this report are reports concerning the sexual exploitation of children and the emerging problems of contraband smuggling, illegal gambling, and technological crimes. According to this report, Asian-based crime syndicates are heavily involved in the importation and trafficking of drugs in Canada and are beginning to expand their criminal activities to counterfeiting, fraud, and money laundering. Particularly troubling for Canada is their increasing involvement in migrant smuggling. The report notes that East European-based crime syndicates continue to proliferate in Canada and generally engage in a variety of sophisticated fraud, theft, smuggling, and counterfeit activities. Italian-based crime groups engage in the importation and trafficking of drugs, extortion, loan-sharking, and operating illegal gambling machines and sports betting. Outlaw motorcycle gangs are expanding in the Canadian region and engage in the trafficking of drugs, firearms, and explosives, as well as practicing extortion, fraud, prostitution, and money laundering. The prevalence of child pornography is increasing with the expansion of Internet use in Canada. Internet activity is also bolstering activities such as online gambling and Internet-based fraud and theft.