NCJ Number
167435
Journal
Gazette Volume: 58 Issue: 10 Dated: (1996) Pages: 14-17
Date Published
1996
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Organized crime in the countries of the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics has become a source of increasing concern since 1990 and takes different forms from earlier criminality there.
Abstract
The activity is highly organized, often along ethnic lines, and involves individuals who are used to operating in ways that thwart detection and to using corruption or violence to dealing with the risk of detection. The activity is highly entrepreneurial and aims to create parallel profit-making centers. It is also international and involved money laundering, import-export fraud, drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and excise tax evasion. These activities count hamper political and economic reform in the countries of the former Soviet Union unless it is addressed. Purely local strategies will not be effective in addressing this crime. Needs include better information and understanding, better intelligence sharing, and a problem-oriented approach. Immediate actions by law enforcement professionals should include technical assistance, interagency cooperation, increased attention to the issues raised by Russian criminals operating through emigres or financial institutions, and understanding that law enforcement is government's quality-control function.