NCJ Number
170221
Date Published
1996
Length
34 pages
Annotation
This article overviews research on organized crime in the United States, with particular emphasis on organized criminal groups originating from within the former Soviet republics and their links to other cultural, ethnic, and domestic organized crime networks in California.
Abstract
Research included a comprehensive review of publications and documents and interviews with law enforcement, immigration, and social science authorities on Soviet organized crime. These individuals indicated California will experience a significant increase in organized crime in connection with immigrants from the former Soviet republics. The nature of Soviet organized crime and law enforcement responses are discussed, and the impact of political and economic uncertainties in the former Soviet republics on growth in organized criminal activities is examined. The illegal entry of individuals from Soviet organized crime networks in California and other U.S. cities and tactics employed by these individuals are considered. Growth in the number of immigrants to California is projected, ways in which California law enforcement agencies can respond to organized crime networks are discussed, and policy considerations associated with strategic planning for and management of effects of organized crime in California are noted. 27 references and 24 endnotes