NCJ Number
181822
Editor(s)
Graeme Newman
Date Published
1999
Length
21 pages
Annotation
The scope of transnational criminal activities is assessed, with emphasis on a variety of activities ranging from terrorism to software piracy.
Abstract
Specific transnational crimes mentioned in the paper include illegal migration, trafficking in women and children, trafficking in body parts, corruption, theft and illegal export of cultural property, theft and trafficking in automobiles, fauna and flora trafficking, computer crimes, software piracy, nuclear material theft and trafficking, and international terrorism. The author notes the dynamics of illicit markets are easy to identify but difficult to contain. Most of these markets are populated by a complex mix of actors, with transnational criminal organizations playing a large but not exclusive role. In the case of prostitution of women and children, for example, criminal organizations control a significant portion of the business and are instrumental in maintaining supply. Most illicit markets have become global in scope and generally involve the trafficking of illicit products from the developing world or nations in transition to the developed world. Several criminal activities, such as trafficking in people, have spawned lucrative cottage and service industries, especially in the forging of documents and end user certificates. Although governments are responding to transnational criminal activities, more efforts are needed. In particular, a central clearinghouse needs to be established with a focus on illicit market activities of all kinds and a recognition of cross-linkages and synergies that are being developed. 6 figures