NCJ Number
108173
Date Published
1987
Length
25 pages
Annotation
The demand for illegal goods and services influences the presence, size, and structure of organized crime.
Abstract
More than seven major organized crime groups exist in Canada and connect with other groups in other regions of the world to distribute such illicit goods and services as narcotics, prostitution, and gambling. Crime organizations establish territorial distribution areas and utilize extortion and corruption to develop regions under their control and enforce their rules. Laundered profits from illegal activities are invested in legitimate businesses that provide cover and respectability for members in the upper levels of the organization. Since it is not an offense in Canada to be a member of a crime group, government control of organized crime must focus on prosecution of specific crimes committed by individual group members. In addition, international action and cooperation is necessary. The United Nations and other international agencies are developing systems to identify and investigate organized crime groups. 21 references. (Author summary modified)