NCJ Number
206462
Date Published
2004
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study examined the characteristics of transnational organized crime investigated in the Netherlands, along with the implications of the findings for public policy.
Abstract
Data were obtained from a continuing research project called the Organized Crime Monitor. This project continually monitors the files of closed police investigations into criminal groups. Data from these files pertain to the composition of the group, patterns of cooperation, criminal activities and methods, the group's interaction with the opportunities and risks in its environment, and the proceeds of criminal activities and how they are spent. Data were obtained from 80 closed cases. The vast majority of the cases involved transnational smuggling of contraband or human beings in which the Netherlands was a destination country, a transit country, or a country of production (synthetic drugs). The profits from these activities came from the transporting and trading of illegal goods internationally and over great distances; from taking advantage of the vast differences in prosperity, health, and even mortality among people all over the world; and from taking advantage of local differences in regulations and policies. All of the criminal activities were conducted across national borders. Certain sectors of the legal economy were used to commit or conceal crimes or to spend criminal funds. The money generated from the criminal activities was spent on expensive lifestyles for the criminals and on investments in valuable objects. It was also invested in legitimate companies and real estate. Family, friends, and acquaintances worked together and provided each other with introductions to third parties. They operated in a social environment dominated by mistrust, suspicion, and deceit. In an effort to increase the dependability and reliability of the criminal enterprises, criminal organizations are composed of family members and bonds of friendship. Transnational family and friendship bonds are maintained through immigration. In the case of drug trafficking, immigrants to the Netherlands from drug-producing countries work with relatives and friends in the source countries in transnational drug operations. Given the transnational character of organized criminal activities, international cooperation in obstructing the production and trafficking of goods as well as the recruitment and trafficking in humans is essential. Border controls on both incoming and outgoing illegal contraband and immigrants must be balanced with law enforcement's attention to money laundering by criminal groups. 2 notes and 41 references