Evils of the Future: Organized Crime and Terrorism (From Policing in Central and Eastern Europe: Deviance, Violence, and Victimization, P 585-591, 2002, Milan Pagon, ed. -- See NCJ-206198)

• NCJ Number: 206214
• Author(s): Bojan Dobovsek
• Date Published: 2002
• Length: 7 pages
• Sale Source: College of Police and Security Studies
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: Slovenia

Annotation

In discussing the two "evils" of terrorism and organized crime, this paper addresses their similarities, the extent to which they have spread in the new European countries, and prevention measures.

Abstract

Organized crime is a major problem in most European countries. It is increasingly operating across national borders to become an international problem. Western Europe and Slovenia are confronted by international drug traffickers who are seeking new markets and trafficking routes. Some proposed measures for dealing with organized crime violate democratic principles and respect for human rights. Unfortunately, criminals can thrive under the new economic and social freedoms. Also, over the last 10 years, Europe has experienced an increase in terrorist activity. The new forms of terrorism stem from the activities of networks that are based in several countries and operate internationally. Technological developments in firearms and explosives have made terrorist attacks increasingly devastating. Measures being considered and adopted by countries or by the European Union to combat terrorism raise human rights issues. The operation of secret terrorist cells within countries targeted by terrorists has given rise to counterterrorism proposals that would erode traditional privacy rights of democratic societies. Secret surveillance of citizens, the tapping of telephones, tightened identification control, the large scale registration of persons, and the infiltration of citizen groups by intelligence operatives are some of the measures proposed or already being used. These measures have been used against both terrorist groups and organized crime networks. Terrorist groups and organized crime groups are sometimes linked in the drug trafficking trade, since both have an interest in finding lucrative sources of money. Although the aims of terrorism and organized crime are strategically different, they have the common characteristic of secret networking for the purpose of criminal activities that cross national borders. International cooperation is essential; however, care must be taken to ensure that the fight against both organized crime and terrorism do not violate the freedoms and human rights that distinguish democratic societies. 27 references