preview

The Effects Of Technology On Organized Crime

Decent Essays

Organized crime involves the illicit flow of goods and services in one direction and the flow of the profits of crime in the other. Technology has created much change in the way organized crime groups conduct operations. It has also caused law enforcement organizations to evolve and use a variety of techniques and methods to effectively combat organized crime groups. In order for law enforcement to effectively target and prosecute these groups they must adapt as the organized crime groups have in their use of technology. Many operations run by organized crime groups and law enforcement organizations require the use of some type of technology. The dynamics of technology have made it an advantage for organized crime groups who use …show more content…

Organized crime has benefited from globalization as much as businesses because now criminal groups are able to operate internationally with ease just like businesses do. Globalization has led to organized crime groups structure transforming from vertical and horizontal hierarchies to a large number of loosely connected networks. Each group within the network is involved in numerous activities from legal to illegal. In essence an incident at one location could have a significant impact on operations for that group across the world (Milan et al, 2008). Technology has also boosted the effects of globalization across the world. In particular the advancements in transportation and the telecommunications. Transportation has facilitated the mass movement of goods and people across the globe which has not only benefited business but especially organized crime groups. The advancements in transportation has enabled organized crime groups to increase their operations in narcotics trafficking, weapons trafficking, and human trafficking. Many groups such as the American mafia and Russian mafia would not be able to accomplish their operations without being able to control or manipulate shipping manifests or corrupting officials allowing their operations to run smoothly. Although transportation has had a major impact, telecommunication has had the most impact on organized crime. The evolution of the

Get Access