Gangsters: A Deep Dive into Organised Crime

Gangsters and organised crime have captivated our imaginations for centuries, weaving tales of intrigue, power, and violence into the fabric of our societies. From the infamous bootleggers of the Roaring Twenties to the global drug cartels of today, these criminal organisations have left an enduring mark on history.

The Birth of Organised Crime

Organised crime emerged in the early 19th century, coinciding with the rise of industrialisation and urbanisation. As cities grew and new technologies emerged, criminal gangs seized opportunities to exploit the chaos and profit from illegal activities.

In the United States, the Tammany Hall political machine played a pivotal role in organising criminal gangs in New York City. By controlling elections and dispensing favours, Tammany Hall provided gangs with protection and a lucrative source of income through racketeering and extortion.

From Gangs to Syndicates

Over time, criminal gangs evolved into more sophisticated organisations known as syndicates. Syndicates established strict hierarchies and specialised roles, enabling them to control entire criminal enterprises, often spanning multiple cities or even countries.

The Sicilian Mafia, founded in the mid-19th century, became a model for organised crime syndicates worldwide. Its strict code of conduct and complex network of relationships allowed it to dominate criminal activities in Sicily and beyond.

Expansion and Diversification

In the early 20th century, the Prohibition era in the United States created a golden age for organised crime syndicates. They seized control of the illegal alcohol trade, amassing vast fortunes and expanding their criminal empires into other areas such as gambling, prostitution, and racketeering.

As laws changed and technology advanced, organised crime syndicates adapted and diversified their operations. They invested in legitimate businesses as fronts for their illicit activities, formed alliances with corrupt officials, and expanded into global drug trafficking and money laundering.

Global Reach of Organised Crime

Today, organised crime has become a global phenomenon, with criminal syndicates operating across national borders and exploiting technological advancements to enhance their operations.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the global revenue from organised crime is estimated to be around $870 billion annually, comparable to the GDP of a medium-sized country.

Impact on Society

The impact of organised crime on society is devastating. It fuels violence, corruption, and economic instability.

Violence and Intimidation

Organised crime syndicates often resort to violence to maintain control and eliminate threats. They engage in shootings, assassinations, and other acts of brutality to intimidate rivals, extort money, and silence witnesses.

In 2020, the UNODC reported that approximately 464,000 homicides occurred worldwide, with organised crime being a significant contributing factor in many cases.

Corruption and Bribery

Organised crime also corrupts public officials, law enforcement, and other institutions to further its criminal activities. They offer bribes, favours, and threats to obtain protection, influence policy decisions, and obstruct justice.

Transparency International estimated that in 2020, over $4 trillion was paid in bribes worldwide, facilitating organised crime and other forms of corruption.

Economic Impact

Organised crime deprives countries of tax revenue, distorts markets, and undermines legitimate businesses. It also leads to job losses, poverty, and social inequality.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that organised crime generates over $250 billion in illicit profits annually, a significant drain on the global economy.

Strategies to Combat Organised Crime

Combating organised crime is a complex and challenging task that requires a multi-faceted approach.

Law Enforcement

Law enforcement agencies play a crucial role in disrupting organised crime operations, apprehending criminals, and seizing illicit assets. This includes specialised units dedicated to investigating and prosecuting organised crime syndicates.

In 2021, Europol, the European Union's law enforcement agency, coordinated over 3,500 operations against organised crime, resulting in the arrest of over 3,800 individuals and the seizure of illicit drugs, weapons, and assets worth millions of euros.

International Cooperation

Organised crime syndicates often operate across national borders, requiring international cooperation to effectively combat their activities. This includes sharing intelligence, coordinating law enforcement efforts, and extraditing criminals.

Since 2004, the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime has provided a framework for international cooperation against organised crime, with over 190 countries becoming signatories.

Community Engagement

Communities play a vital role in preventing and combating organised crime. They can provide information to law enforcement, support victims, and promote anti-crime initiatives.

Civil society organisations, schools, and community groups can also engage in education and awareness campaigns to empower citizens and reduce the appeal of organised crime.

Alternative Livelihoods

Offering alternative livelihoods to individuals at risk of becoming involved in organised crime is essential for long-term prevention. This includes providing job training, education, and support programs to create opportunities for legitimate employment.

In 2019, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria launched a $500 million initiative to support countries in developing alternative livelihoods for people affected by organised crime.

Effective Strategies

• Intelligence-led policing: Using data analysis and surveillance to identify and target organised crime syndicates.
• Asset forfeiture: Seizing and confiscating illicit assets to disrupt criminal operations and generate revenue for law enforcement.
• Witness protection programs: Providing protection and support to witnesses who testify against organised crime syndicates.
• Community policing: Building partnerships with communities to gather intelligence, support victims, and prevent crime.
• Targeted sanctions: Imposing travel bans, asset freezes, and other restrictions on individuals and entities involved in organised crime.

How to Step-by-Step Approach

1. Identify and prioritise targets: Conduct intelligence analysis to identify high-value targets within organised crime syndicates.
2. Build evidence: Collect evidence of criminal activities through surveillance, undercover operations, and financial investigations.
3. Execute operations: Apprehend criminals, seize illicit assets, and disrupt criminal networks.
4. Secure convictions: Build strong cases and prosecute criminals effectively to obtain convictions and dismantle organised crime syndicates.
5. Continue monitoring: Monitor released criminals and their associates to prevent them from re-engaging in organised crime.

Compare Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Disrupts organised crime operations and apprehends criminals.
• Seizes illicit assets and generates revenue for law enforcement.
• Provides protection and support to witnesses.
• Builds partnerships with communities to prevent crime.
• Imposes sanctions on individuals and entities involved in organised crime.

Cons:

• Can be costly and time-consuming to implement.
• Requires effective intelligence sharing and coordination among law enforcement agencies.
• May involve risks to informants and law enforcement officers.
• Can impact civil liberties and due process rights.
• May lead to displacement of criminal activities to other areas.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between a gang and an organised crime syndicate?

Gangs are typically smaller, less sophisticated, and more localised than organised crime syndicates. Syndicates have a hierarchical structure, specialised roles, and often operate across multiple cities or countries.

2. How does organised crime impact the economy?

Organised crime deprives countries of tax revenue, distorts markets, undermines legitimate businesses, and leads to job losses and poverty.

3. What are some effective strategies to combat organised crime?

Effective strategies include intelligence-led policing, asset forfeiture, witness protection programs, community policing, and targeted sanctions.

4. What is the global revenue from organised crime?

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the global revenue from organised crime is estimated to be around $870 billion annually.

5. How does organised crime affect violence in society?

Organised crime syndicates often resort to violence to maintain control, eliminate threats, and intimidate rivals and witnesses.

6. What are the ethical considerations in combating organised crime?

Combating organised crime requires a balance between protecting civil liberties and due process rights while effectively disrupting criminal activities and protecting society.

7. What is the role of technology in organised crime?

Technology has become increasingly important for organised crime syndicates, enabling them to communicate securely, launder money, and manage criminal operations more efficiently.

8. What is the future of organised crime?

Organised crime syndicates are expected to continue to adapt and evolve, exploiting new technologies and opportunities while remaining resilient to law enforcement efforts.