NCJ Number
101278
Date Published
1986
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This chapter discusses the structure and enterprises of organized crime in England, Scotland, and Trinidad, drawing upon data from a study conducted from September 1972 through August 1973.
Abstract
'Mercenary' crime is the primary form of organized crime in Great Britain. These types of crimes include the burglary of homes and business establishments, robbery, 'fencing' of stolen goods, confidence games, and fraudulent businesses. To reduce the risk of informants, groups organized to commit such crimes are small and usually consist of long-time friends and relatives. Because gambling and the dispensing of addictive drugs have been legalized in England and Scotland, there are no syndicates built around the dispensing of these goods and services. Pornography is the only illicit enterprise conducted by syndicates resembling those in the United States. Syndicated crime in Trinidad is centered in drug trafficking. The syndicate plays a major role in organizing the annual Carnival in the Bridge District and is thus held in high esteem by the public, which contributes to a 'hands-off' policy by law enforcement. The syndicate is based on friendship and trust, and violence may be used to enforce the syndicate's will. 14 references.