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Date: April 29, 2024 Mon
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Results for illicit markets
33 results foundAuthor: Schloenhardt, Andreas Title: Palermo on the Pacific Rim: organised crime offences in the Asia Pacific region. Summary: This paper suggests that 'We must recognise the failure of the "organised crime laws" to win the "war on organised crime".' Offences designed to penalise criminal organisations constitute the most recent and perhaps most ambitious strategy to fight organised crime. The common feature of these offences is that they are designed to target the structure, organisation, members, and associates of organised crime groups. Their shared rationale is the view that disrupting criminal activities and arresting individual offenders does not dismantle the criminal organisations that stand behind these illegal activities. Four main types of organised crime offences are identified in this study. These include: 1. The conspiracy model, found in the Convention against Transnational Crime and in jurisdictions such as Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and several Pacific Island nations; 2. The participation model stipulated by the Convention against Transnational Organised Crime, and also adopted in Canada, New Zealand, New South Wales, PR China, Macau, Taiwan, the Pacific Islands, and California; 3. The enterprise model based on the US RICO Act, which is also used in many US States, and the Philippines; 4. The labelling/registration model of Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, New South Wales, and South Australia. Details: Bangkok, Thailand: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Regional Centre for East Asia and the Pacific, 2009, 315p. Source: Internet Source: Accessed April 27, 2018 at: http://apo.org.au/node/18766 Year: 2009 Country: Asia URL: http://apo.org.au/node/18766 Shelf Number: 116380 Keywords: AsiaCriminal LawDrug TraffickingIllicit MarketsOrganized Crime |
Author: Dreyfus, Pablo Title: Small Arms in Rio de Janeiro: The Guns, the Buyback, and the Victims Summary: This report presents three separate studies regarding a gun buyback program in Rio de Janeiro: Do voluntary small arms collections reduce violence? Do they work in isolation, or do they have to be combined with other control measures? The first study attempts to answer these questions by analysing the impact in the state of Rio de Janeiro of a national small arms buyback campaign that took place from July 2004 to October 2005. The study concludes that in Rio de Janeiro, small arms voluntary collection campaigns do indeed reduce armed violence, as long as they are not implemented in isolation; they must be combined with other preventative measures. The second study analyses the volume, price and symbolic value of small arms in the criminal market in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, the study finds that 928,621 small arms circulate in the so-called Marvellous City, of which 159,723 are used in crime. The third study looks at demand for small arms in Rio de Janeiro and asks whether the characteristics of the city are unique, in particular in its impoverished peripheral areas where armed violence is most acute. Details: Geneva, Switzerland: Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, 2008. 147p. Source: Internet Resource; Special Report by Small Arms Survey, Viva Rio, and ISER Year: 2008 Country: Brazil URL: Shelf Number: 114582 Keywords: Armed ViolenceGun Buyback ProgramsGun ViolenceGunsIllicit MarketsWeapons |
Author: Beare, Margaret Title: Global Transnational Crime: Canada and China Summary: This paper presents a review of the phenomena of transnational crime/organized crime (TNC/OC) as it relates to Canada and China. The paper begins by outlining the changing understanding of TNC/OC. Three issues dominate much of the current debate: issues of the breakdown in strictly ‘ethnic’-based operations and the refocus of law enforcement on criminal markets; the changing perception of the structure of criminal organizations and finally, a recognition of harm as a determinant of the types of criminal activity that ought to be treated internationally with the seriousness of the more traditional organized crimes. Next, this paper identifies the key illicit markets related to Canada and China. These markets include: money laundering, drug trafficking, human smuggling and the counterfeiting of goods, cards and currency. This paper concludes with a discussion on areas of tension and opportunities for enhanced cooperation on a bilateral and multilateral basis between Canada and China. One key unresolved tension relates to China’s quest for international assistance in combating corruption. China and Canada have ratified the UN Convention Against Corruption and in addition Canada is involved in four international agreements dealing with the criminal aspect of corruption – but from China’s perspective these agreements were supposed to assist countries in their fight against various forms of corruption but are either not effective or are not implemented. Details: Toronto: Canadian International Council, 2010. 24p. Source: Internet Resource: China Paper No. 16: Accessed August 22, 2010 at: http://www.onlinecic.org/resourcece/archives/chinapapers/cic_chinapapersno16_bearepdf Year: 2010 Country: Canada URL: http://www.onlinecic.org/resourcece/archives/chinapapers/cic_chinapapersno16_bearepdf Shelf Number: 119658 Keywords: CounterfeitingDrug TraffickingHuman SmugglingIllicit MarketsMoney LaunderingOrganized CrimeTransnational Crime (Canada and China) |
Author: Derghougassian, Khatchik Title: Under (Loose) Control: Drug Trafficking in Argentina Summary: Since the emergence of drug trafficking as a major concern on the international security agenda in early 1980s, Argentina generally has remained peripheral in the global illicit market, and was seldom characterized as a country for transit and money laundering. This situation, however, changed by the end of the 20th century when the levels of drug consumption rose dramatically in Argentine society and several official reports revealed the important role that the national industry played in providing the chemical products for cocaine and other synthetic drugs processing. Yet, despite some disturbing episodes of drug-related violence that seem involving Colombian and Mexican cartels, the structure of the local drug market, both distribution and consumption, remains under control. The main reason for this loose control that avoids the outburst of violence on a major scale is decades-old symbiosis of delinquents, police and political interests commonly labeled as the “Triple P” -standing for thugs, police and politicians (Pandillas, Policía, Políticos). Based on this hypothetical argument, this paper provides a historical perspective of the inclusion of Argentina as a peripheral market in global drug trafficking to focus on the structural evolution of the phenomenon since the 1980s up to the actuality. We are mainly concerned in explaining the shift of Argentina from a country for transit to a consumers market, as well as identifying the incoming and outgoing flows of global trafficking of the illicit drug industry, to analyze its implications for predictable changes within the Triple P structure. Details: Buenos Aires;Universidad de San Andrés, 2012. 24p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 5, 2013 at: http://www.udesa.edu.ar/files/UAHumanidades/DT/DT%20Ciencias%20Sociales/DT15_Khatchik_DerGhougassian.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Argentina URL: http://www.udesa.edu.ar/files/UAHumanidades/DT/DT%20Ciencias%20Sociales/DT15_Khatchik_DerGhougassian.pdf Shelf Number: 129519 Keywords: Drug Trafficking (Argentina)Drug-Related ViolenceIllegal DrugsIllicit MarketsOrganized Crime |
Author: Kemp, Walter Title: The Elephant in the Room: How Can Peace Operations Deal with Organized Crime? Summary: "The Elephant in the Room" shows how organized crime–once considered a problem isolated to a few, mostly urban, communities–has become globalized and now affects a wide range of the UN’s activities, including the maintenance of international peace and security. It describes how crime has become a serious threat in almost every theater where the UN has peace operations, and juxtaposes this with an analysis of mission mandates which contain few operational references to crime. Case studies based on field research in Haiti, Guinea-Bissau, and Kosovo show the impact of organized crime on stability, governance, and development and demonstrate the challenges faced by the international community in helping states to deal with this problem. The report argues that unless peace operations can identify and deal with spoilers involved in illicit activities at an early stage, better assess conflict economies, and disrupt illicit markets, organized crime will continue to flourish in theaters where peace operations are deployed–hindering their operability and the very development, security, and justice that the UN seeks to promote. The report concludes by making recommendations designed to increase the effectiveness of peace operations when dealing with transnational organized crime. Details: New York: International Peace Institute, 2013. 86p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 10, 2013 at: http://www.ipinst.org/images/pdfs/ipi_e-pub-elephant_in_the_room.pdf Year: 2013 Country: International URL: http://www.ipinst.org/images/pdfs/ipi_e-pub-elephant_in_the_room.pdf Shelf Number: 129609 Keywords: Illicit MarketsOrganized Crime (International) |
Author: Hawken, Angela Title: Unintended Consequences of Cigarette Taxation and Regulation Summary: Tobacco smoking harms health. Taxes and regulations can reduce that harm. But evasion reduces the efficacy of taxes and regulations and creates harms of its own in the form of illicit markets. Enforcement can reduce evasion but creates additional harms, including incarceration and violence. Peter Reuter has pointed out that a flat ban on cigarettes would be likely to generate illicit-market harms similar to the harms of existing illicit drug markets. Taxes and regulations can be thought of as "lesser prohibitions," subject to the same sorts of risks. Minimizing total harm means minimizing the sum of abuse harms and control harms. Tighter regulations and higher taxes on cigarettes risk increasing the size of the existing illicit tobacco markets, which are already substantial. That risk can be somewhat blunted by increasing enforcement effort, but doing so can be costly on several dimensions and might, under plausible assumptions, lead to an increase in violence. Tobacco policymaking should therefore consider illicit markets and the need for enforcement; some of the health benefits of regulation and taxation may be offset by increased illicit-market side effects and enforcement costs. The presence of licit substitutes, such as e-cigarettes, can greatly reduce the size of the problem; the regulation of e-cigarettes should take this effect into account. If enforcement is to be increased to counterbalance tightened controls, positive-feedback dynamics suggest that the enforcement increase should precede, rather than follow, the tightening. Details: Malibu, CA: Pepperdine University - School of Public Policy, 2013. 50p. Source: Internet Resource: School of Public Policy Working Papers, Paper 47: Accessed August 11, 2014 at: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2354772 Year: 2013 Country: United States URL: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2354772 Shelf Number: 132993 Keywords: Cigarette SmugglingCigarettesIllegal Tobacco (U.S.)Illicit MarketsTax Evasion |
Author: Dewey, Matias Title: Crisis and the Emergence of Illicit Markets: A Pragmatist View on Economic Action outside the Law Summary: Although illicit exchange has also been an organized, silent, and ever-present response to harsh economic crisis, only protest and social movements have captured scholars' attention. In order to fill this void, this paper analyzes the emergence of illegal markets under situations of social breakdown. I claim that an illicit market emerging under socio-economic crisis conditions might be understood as the result of a constant valuation process and the intervention of what Herbert Mead called "generalized others." In the new arena of exchange, individuals are able to anticipate the reactions of others, inhibit undesirable impulses, and guide their conduct accordingly by visualizing their own line of action from a generalized standpoint. This approach to illicit markets is based on a critical reading of two other approaches: the anomie theory and the field of organized-crime studies. Both perspectives, according to the argument, operate with a model of action characterized by fixed ends and means, a priori assumptions that hinder the ability to perceive the gradual and transforming dynamics of a crisis situation. The paper also offers empirical evidence on the process of the emergence of an illicit market under a crisis situation. By referring to La Salada market, an arena of exchange which emerged during the 1990s in Argentina, I describe a process characterized by an intensification of communicative activities, the adjustment of mutual expectations, the search for definitions that legitimate expectations, and role-taking in the market. Details: Cologne: Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies, 2014. 33p. Source: Internet Resource: MPIfG Discussion Paper 14 /6: http://www.mpifg.de/pu/mpifg_dp/dp14-6.pdf Year: 2014 Country: Argentina URL: http://www.mpifg.de/pu/mpifg_dp/dp14-6.pdf Shelf Number: 133334 Keywords: Economics and Crime Illegal Markets (Argentina) Illicit MarketsSocioeconomic Conditions and Crime |
Author: Australian Crime Commission Title: Organised Crime in Australia 2015 Summary: The Organised Crime in Australia 2015 report provides the most comprehensive contemporary profile of serious and organised crime in Australia. The report provides the context in which organised crime operates in Australia and gives an overview of each of the key illicit markets and the activities which fundamentally enable serious and organised crime. The report provides government, industry and the public with information they need to better respond to the threat of organised crime, now and into the future. Organised Crime in Australia is an unclassified version of the Australian Crime Commission's Organised Crime Threat Assessment (OCTA) which is part of the Picture of Criminality in Australia suite of products. The OCTA is a classified assessment of the level of risk posed by various organised crime threats, categorised by activity, market and enabler. Details: Canberra: ACC, 2015. 87p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 23, 2015 at: https://www.crimecommission.gov.au/sites/default/files/FINAL-ACC-OCA2015-180515.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Australia URL: https://www.crimecommission.gov.au/sites/default/files/FINAL-ACC-OCA2015-180515.pdf Shelf Number: 135763 Keywords: CybercrimeIdentity TheftIllicit MarketsOrganized Crime |
Author: Savona, Ernesto U. Title: From Illegal markets to Legitimate Businesses: the Portfolio of Organised Crime in Europe Summary: This is the final report of Project OCP - Organised Crime Portfolio (www.ocportfolio.eu). Aim of OCP is to carry out an exploratory study of the economics of organised crime in Europe, and in particular to address three research questions, which are covered by the three sections of this report: - Where organised crime proceeds are generated, from which illicit markets (Part 1); - Where these proceeds are then invested in the legitimate economy, in which regions, assets and business sectors (Part 2); - The extent to which these proceeds are confiscated by European authorities (Part 3). The project focuses on seven EU member states (Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom), represented by OCP partners, and for which provides an in-depth analysis. However, the report also presents a broader examination of the situation in Europe as a whole. OCP deals with issues crucial from a policy standpoint but which are characterised by a lack of data and of previous studies. OCP addresses this research gap by adopting an innovative methodology and using a wide range of information, both qualitative and quantitative, deriving from very different sources. Despite its pioneering nature and its data limitations, this report represents a first step towards better understanding of how the organised crime business works. In line with the Transcrime research agenda, it is a starting point for a better identification and reduction of the opportunities exploited by criminals to infiltrate illicit and legitimate markets in Europe. In this sense, this report constitutes an important tool for both public and private institutions to improve the assessment of the risks of organised crime infiltration and to strengthen the tracing and the confiscation of criminal assets in Europe. Details: Milan, Italy: Transcrime, 2015. 341p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 13, 2015 at: http://www.transcrime.it/en/pubblicazioni/the-portfolio-of-organised-crime-in-europe/ Year: 2015 Country: Europe URL: https://www.int-comp.org/media/1997/ocp-full-report.pdf Shelf Number: 136004 Keywords: Asset ForfeitureEconomics of CrimeIllicit MarketsOrganized CrimeProceeds of Crime |
Author: University of West Indies. Institute of International Relations Title: Private Security Companies in the Caribbean: Case Studies of St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica Summary: The origin of this field research project on private security companies (PSCs) in the Caribbean came from a discussion at a workshop jointly hosted by the Institute of International Relations at The University of the West Indies (IIR UWI) and Project Ploughshares (PP) on 20-21 January 2010 at the St. Augustine campus in Trinidad and Tobago. The workshop brought together officials from 14 Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member and associate states to advance a regional response to the mounting threats and damage caused by illicit firearms in the Caribbean. Many of the workshop participants were senior police officers from the subregion. They were joined by representatives of Caribbean civil society organizations and regional organizations that included the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC), as well as the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Discussion at this workshop pointed to the effects of illicit gun trafficking and use-as well as some possible solutions-that could be brought into sharper focus by examining the prominent role of PSCs in the Caribbean. PSCs provide security for industries, resorts, and even governments. As such, PSCs often are a first line of observation and response to criminal activities, but can also be a means by which guns move from licit to illicit markets or use. This project contributes to the still limited published information on PSCs in the Caribbean by creating case studies on the private security industry in St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica. The research was designed to describe and analyze PSCs in each country, as well as current national laws and regulations related to the industry. The case study data provide a clearer picture of the roles and functions of PSCs, which can be used by government regulators and the industry itself to raise standards of performance, encourage appropriate policy development, and generally improve the security situation for citizens. The case studies also provide a better understanding of how PSCs fit into the CARICOM security architecture. Details: St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago: Institute of International Relations, The University of the West Indies, 2013. 162p. Source: Internet Resource: Project Ploughshares: Accessed August 10, 2015 at: http://ploughshares.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Priv_Security_Co_Carribean.webFINAL.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Caribbean URL: http://ploughshares.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Priv_Security_Co_Carribean.webFINAL.pdf Shelf Number: 136376 Keywords: Illegal MarketsIllicit MarketsPrivate Security IndustryTrafficking in GunsTrafficking in Weapons |
Author: Paris, Jeffrey Jonathan Title: Crime, Contraband, and Property Rights: Explaining Variations in Violent Crime Rates Summary: Violent crime affects quality of life on an individual level and development on a national level (Kleiman, 2009), and could be the most important factor in determining whether many low and middle-income countries develop stable governments and implement effective economic policies. I propose a political and natural resource based explanation of the variation in crime rates in order to overcome the lack of connections between macro-level statistical data and causal mechanisms identified up to this point. My explanation involves the dynamics between state strength, property rights formation and enforcement, and the specific nature of criminal markets. When the state is weak crime rates usually increase due to the state's inability to enforce property rights, including the inability to control contraband markets (or adequately taxing legal markets), and the inability to effectively punish defectors. Property rights are established through a political bargaining process between actors that generally depends on the capacity for violence of interested parties (DeSoto, 2000; Umbeck, 1981). Well-defined and enforced property rights reduce transaction costs, and therefore reduce levels of violence (Anderson and Hill, 2003). The specific properties of markets, including the resources they are based on, can shape the market environment, including legality, and affect the resulting "institutions of extraction" (Snyder, 2006, 952). Lootable resources make property rights harder to enforce and interact with the state's ability to provide the rule of law, especially in the case of prohibitions. Illicit markets engender violence because normal business disputes are often settled with violence (Kleiman, 1993, 104-107, 115). My hypotheses examine the relationship between the production of lootable products, while controlling for other factors commonly attributed to crime. My analysis suggests that, all else being equal, the production of lootable resources increases crime rates, while the enforcement of property rights, whether by a state, non-state actor, or community, reduces violent crime rates. To test my hypotheses I use a mix of statistical analysis, case studies based on archival research, and structured interviews. Cross-national data was collected through archival research and existing databases, spanning over seventy countries and fifty years. Local level data comes from fieldwork in Colombia, and includes quantitative data for every municipality in Colombia over a span of nine years, and qualitative data for several regions critical to testing my hypotheses. Details: Los Angeles: University of California, Los Angeles, 2012. 179p. Source: Internet Resource: Dissertation: http://escholarship.org/uc/item/08t0s726 Year: 2012 Country: Colombia URL: http://escholarship.org/uc/item/08t0s726 Shelf Number: 136779 Keywords: ContrabandCrime RatesIllicit MarketsLootingProperty RightsSocioeconomic Conditions and CrimeViolenceViolent Crime |
Author: Frontier Economics Title: The economic and social impacts of counterfeiting and piracy in Turkey Summary: This study is the first attempt to estimate the magnitude and costs of counterfeiting in Turkey. The magnitude of counterfeiting in the economy includes the value of imported, domestically produced, and digitally retrieved counterfeit products, and adds up to 1% of the GDP. The costs of counterfeiting include tax losses, additional welfare payments, health costs, as well as costs to the wider economy such as lost FDI and exports. Estimates on employment losses due to all these factors also are included. These estimates are based on a Frontier-developed methodology that is built on work by the OECD, and show that counterfeiting is a serious problem for Turkey. Counterfeiting is not only a law enforcement issue, but is also a core problem that is relevant for economic policy-makers. The recently published Global Competitiveness Report 2011-12 by the World Economic Forum classifies Turkey as a transition economy passing from an efficiency-driven to innovation-driven stage. Completing this transition will necessitate a tough stance against counterfeiting. Firms in an efficiency-driven economy compete and grow by cutting down costs, while firms in an innovation-driven economy compete and grow by creating unique value at the global level. Illicit entities that produce counterfeit products may "compete" on cost, but they cannot act as building blocks of an innovation-driven economy. They are destined to stay as small enterprises that generate little or self-employment with low wages, all the while skirting the law. Entities involved in counterfeiting are necessarily driven into informal, illicit markets. They are excluded not only from the tax collection system, but also from the global manufacturing value-chains of modern corporations that bring local firms opportunities to scale up to the global level. Needless to say, informal firms have limited access to bank credit and venture capital, further limiting their growth prospects. If the Turkish economy is to upgrade to an innovation-driven stage, it will be based on high-impact enterprises that are able to scale-up to the global level by creating unique value. Only firms that are not involved in counterfeiting can acquire and retain global customers and investors in the long-run. It is natural to see this value be distributed to wider society in form of larger employment with higher wages. This is why avoiding counterfeiting should be an economic-policy priority. Tackling counterfeiting is a difficult challenge. It requires not only close enforcement, but the necessary incentives to create long-lasting transformation in the habits of entrepreneurs. To create a policy environment against counterfeiting requires a high level of policy coordination among different departments in the government. Dialogue and coordination among the ministries of Culture and Tourism, Justice, Health, the Interior, Economy, Customs and Trade, as well as institutions such as the Turkish Patent Institute and the Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK), as well as between public institutions and private sector representatives are essential. To ensure coordination and dialogue among so many different agents, political will is critical. This report is a first step in building this political will by revealing the large magnitude and long list of costs associated with counterfeiting and piracy in Turkey. Details: Ankara: BASCAP (Business Action to Stop Counterfeiting and Piracy, 2011. 43p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 16, 2015 at: www.iccwbo.org Year: 2011 Country: Turkey URL: www.iccwbo.org Shelf Number: 137281 Keywords: Counterfeit ProductsCounterfeitingEconomic CrimesFinancial CrimesIllicit MarketsPirated Goods |
Author: Malone, Mary Fran T. Title: Why Do the Children Flee? Public Security and Policing Practices in Central America Summary: In this brief, author Mary Fran Malone discusses the security crisis in Central America and successful policing strategies for confronting this crisis. She reports that Central Americans' experiences and perceptions of crime are linked to an increased likelihood of migration. In 2014, approximately 57,000 unaccompanied minors traveled from Central America to Mexico, continuing north to cross the U.S. border illegally. The large numbers of people fleeing Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras testify not only to the violence of illicit markets but also to the failure of these countries' governments to fulfill their most important task - protecting the lives of their citizens. Not all Central American countries have failed at this task, however. Nicaragua and Panama have successfully created civilian police forces that have contained the crime crisis while also respecting the rights of citizens. Trust in police is significantly higher in Nicaragua and Panama than other countries in Central America, and people have more trust that the justice system will convict perpetrators of crime. If the United States aims to reduce the number of people fleeing north, it must invest more seriously in policing and public security practices that have a track record of success. After almost two decades, it is clear that the militarized and repressive policing strategies of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras do not work. As the cases of Nicaragua and Panama demonstrate, community-oriented policing strategies are effective in building citizens' trust in their police and fostering a culture of respect for human rights. Details: Durham, NH: University of New Hampshire, Carsey School of Public Policy, 2015. 10p. Source: Internet Resource: National Issue Brief #95: Accessed February 8, 2016 at: http://scholars.unh.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1259&context=carsey Year: 2015 Country: Central America URL: http://scholars.unh.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1259&context=carsey Shelf Number: 137791 Keywords: Community-Oriented PolicingDrug TraffickingIllegal ImmigrationIllicit MarketsPolice LegitimacyUnaccompanied Children |
Author: Miklaucic, Michael Title: Convergence: Illicit Networks and National Security in the Age of Globalization Summary: Acceleration. Magnification. Diffusion. Entropy. Empowerment. The global environment and the international system are evolving at hypervelocity. A consensus is emerging among policymakers, scholars, and practitioners that recent sweeping developments in information technology, communication, transportation, demographics, and conflict are making global governance more challenging. Some argue these developments have transformed our international system, making it more vulnerable than ever to the predations of terrorists and This view continues to dominate mindsets within the U.S. national security community. It fails to fully appreciate the growing power of nonstate actors and adversaries, or the magnitude of the threat they pose and the harm they impose on the international system itself. It underappreciates the possibility - indeed likelihood - of the convergence, whether for convenience or growing ambition, of criminal, terrorist, and even insurgent networks. More important even than insufficient recognition of the efficacy of these adversaries is the absence of a plan to counter the threat they pose to both national security and the international state system. In short, this view does not see the big picture - the long view of the declining robustness and resilience of the global system of nation-states that has been dominant for centuries, and the unprecedented attacks on that system. The failure of that system - in which we and so many have prospered beyond belief or precedent in history - would be a catastrophic and existential loss. Global trends and developments - including dramatically increased trade volumes and velocity, the growth of cyberspace, and population growth, among others - have facilitated the growth of violent nonstate actors, the strengthening of organized crime, and the emergence of a new set of transcontinental supply chains as well as the expansion of existing illicit markets. The resourcefulness, adaptability, innovativeness, and ability of illicit networks to circumvent countermeasures make them formidable foes for national governments and international organizations alike. Their increasing convergence gives them ever-improved ability to evade official countermeasures and overcome logistical challenges as well as ever better tools for exploiting weaknesses and opportunities within the state system, and attacking that system. Since illicit actors have expanded their activities throughout the global commons, in the land, sea, air, and cyber domains, nations must devise comprehensive and multidimensional strategies and policies to combat the complex transnational threats posed by these illicit networks. This book is an attempt to map the terrain of this emerging battlespace; it describes the scope of the security threat confronting the United States and the international community from transnational criminal organizations and what is being done to combat that threat - from the strategic level with the release, in July 2011, of the U.S. Government's Strategy to Combat Transnational Organized Crime: Addressing Converging Threats to National Security and, in April 2011, of the Department of Defense (DOD) Counternarcotics and Global Threats Strategy - to the operational level with increased regional partnerships and dialogues. criminals. Others argue that despite this significant evolution, organized crime, transnational terrorism, and nonstate networks have been endemic if unpleasant features of human society throughout history, that they represent nothing new, and that our traditional means of countering them - primarily conventional law enforcement - are adequate. Even among those who perceive substantial differences in the contemporary manifestations of these persistent maladies, they are viewed as major nuisances not adding up to a significant national or international security threat, much less an existential threat. Details: Washington, DC: National Defense University Press, 2013. 304p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 5, 2016 at: http://ndupress.ndu.edu/Portals/68/Documents/Books/convergence.pdf Year: 2013 Country: International URL: http://ndupress.ndu.edu/Portals/68/Documents/Books/convergence.pdf Shelf Number: 131162 Keywords: Criminal NetworksIllegal TradeIllicit MarketsIllicit TradeNational SecurityOrganized CrimeTerrorism |
Author: Koorey, Stephanie Title: Illicit Small Arms in the Pacific Summary: With the exception of Papua New Guinea, the number of illicit small arms likely to be in circulation in Western Pacific island countries is not particularly large or widespread. The region remains relatively 'gun free' as Philip Alpers' recently proclaimed. Supply is not bountiful, controls in the form of regional and national laws are sound, disarmament and amnesties have been somewhat successful, and demand is neither strong nor state or region-wide-Papua New Guinea being the exception. In broader context, the Pacific Institute for Public Policy points out that: The Pacific has seen its share of coups and conflict, but deserves recognition for being a largely peaceful region ... It also has a wealth of traditional mechanisms to end conflict ... It is worth bearing this in mind as the region develops a more 'bottom-up' approach to contemporary security issues. The project conducted a strategic assessment, rather than a detailed stocktake, of the illicit small arms in the Western Pacific island region with a focus on Fiji, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea (excluding Bougainville). As anticipated, most of the illicit small arms in the region come from within the countries studied and are largely recirculated within them. However, there are pockets where weapons transgress borders, but this is not particularly organised or substantial. There are also trends with new weapons entering the region, but these are mostly imported by or with the knowledge or approval of the national governments. That makes illicit small arms in the Western Pacific island countries less of a transnational problem and more one for national governments. There are also five additional region-wide trends linked clearly and potentially to small arms proliferation. They were outside the scope of this project, but are worth bringing to attention and they are discussed briefly in this report. International organisations and national non-government organisations (NGOs) have been at the forefront of activism and information on small arms in the Pacific. Yet after more than a decade, the Nadi Framework and Goroka Gun Summit, both grand initiatives, remain largely dormant. In part, this reflects the reality that many illicit small arms-firearms essentially-are sourced from inside the country in which they are used, and recycled multiple times within it, and that the security sector has been, or remains, both a source of supply and driver of demand. This is particularly so for the Royal Papua New Guinea constabulary. The problems with illicit small arms in the Western Pacific are indicative of societal and governance problems and should not be seen as an isolated phenomenon. As such, this report cautions against any isolated firearms 'fetish' responses, or for the issues raised to be seen solely as 'a gun problem'. As Wondemaghen noted, fears generated by media stories of armed violence 'generates a temptation to reach for simple, often punitive solutions to multi-faceted complex problems'. As such, this report makes suggestions regarding illicit small arms control and broader, societal factors that may mitigate demand in the three focus countries. The research indicates tangible factors are a strong driver of demand and that the 'motives and means' hypothesis holds true. Small arms, mostly firearms, are sourced for personal or property protection, to participate in tribal fighting, to perpetrate crime, to coerce and influence political activities, but not to create state-wide conflict or coup against an extant government. In parts of Papua New Guinea there appears to be a constant overt demand for firearms, for both the tangible reasons listed above, as well as the more intangible predilection towards wanting firearms for the status they bestow on the user. However, this avenue of research could not be confirmed in this project. Conclusions that can be drawn from the research are that the hallmarks of the region are overt demand and supply in Papua New Guinea, reduced and low demand in Solomon Islands and Fiji, and internal supply, including the skills to build home-made firearms. Finally, the relationship between the civilian legal market of sporting and recreational shooters and the illicit market is emotionally potent. Globally and regionally, civilian stocks are leaked onto the illicit market. However, the position of this paper is that the Pacific sporting shooters are an informed and engaged stakeholder in small arms control, and that in many cases 'providing a path to legal firearms possession', including its safe storage and use, can be one element of effective small arms control. Details: Queanbeyan NSW: Australian Civil-Military Centre, 2016. 37p. Source: Internet Resource: Civil-Military Occasional Paper 1-2016 : Accessed April 115, 2016 at: https://www.acmc.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/3-2015-Illicit-Small-Arms-in-the-Pacific.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Australia URL: https://www.acmc.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/3-2015-Illicit-Small-Arms-in-the-Pacific.pdf Shelf Number: 138685 Keywords: Gun TraffickingGun-Related ViolenceIllicit ArmsIllicit MarketsIllicit WeaponsWeapons and Firearms |
Author: Duquet, Nils Title: Guns for Sale: The Belgian illicit gun markets in a European perspective Summary: In the new report 'Guns for sale' researchers Nils Duquet and Maarten Van Alstein give an overview of the basic characteristics of the illicit gun market in Belgium within a broader European perspective. The report has a specific focus on the size of this market, the actors involved and the ways in which these weapons end up on this market. Details: Brussels: Flemish Peace Institute, 2016. 21p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 11, 2016 at: http://www.flemishpeaceinstitute.eu/sites/vlaamsvredesinstituut.eu/files/files/hitp/report_guns_for_sale_2.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Belgium URL: http://www.flemishpeaceinstitute.eu/sites/vlaamsvredesinstituut.eu/files/files/hitp/report_guns_for_sale_2.pdf Shelf Number: 139586 Keywords: Illicit GunsIllicit marketsTrafficking in Guns |
Author: Thought Arbitrage Research Institute Title: Illicit Markets - A Threat to Our National Interests. The Alcoholic Beverages Industry Summary: Illicit markets have broad economy-wide effects on trade, investment, employment, innovation, criminality, environment, and most importantly, on the health and safety of the consumers. Over and above, it also has a negative impact on the brand image and loss of revenue for industry and governments. In the alcoholic beverage industry, the industry faces a twin problem. Firstly, the production of alcohol under non-standard conditions which are much more harmful, life threatening and, secondly, the smuggling of these products which escape state taxes and duties applicable to this sector. As alcoholic beverages industry is a state subject, manufacturers have to conform to regulations legislated by each state which vary from state to state and sometimes loopholes in such differences in regulations can fuel illicit trade. Given the thrust on "Make in India"; technology, invention, and innovation will play a key role in India's current economic development. However, counterfeits and fakes will threaten India's growth strategy. Hence, a proactive strategy should be in place to fight this serious menace to public health and safety, and to the state exchequer. This report has estimated the size of the illicit market; its adverse impact on innovation and investment in the alcoholic beverage industry. I am certain that the findings from this report would increase consumer awareness, drive support from policy makers in tax related reforms and step up the industry for greater investment in R&D and encourage innovation. Details: New Delhi: FICCI Cascade, 2016. 86p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 30, 2017 at: http://tari.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Alcoholic-Beverages.pdf Year: 2016 Country: India URL: http://tari.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Alcoholic-Beverages.pdf Shelf Number: 144933 Keywords: Alcohol IndustryIllicit MarketsIllicit TradeSmuggling of Goods |
Author: Ellis, Clare Title: On Tap Europe: Organised Crime and Illicit Trade in Tobacco, Alcohol and Pharmaceuticals Summary: An official quietly stamping paperwork; a lorry passing across internal EU borders; an innocuous parcel in a postman’s van: this is what organised crime looks like in Europe. It is, of course, only one side of a multifaceted threat, but while the more violent elements of organised crime demand our attention, illicit trade is quietly capitalising: infiltrating our economies, bringing dangerous goods into our communities and diverting billions of euros away from EU governments. The illicit trade is the epitome of modern organised crime in its reflection of legitimate business: groups are quick to recognise and respond to opportunities; they diversify their activities to minimise risk and maximise investment; they capitalise on new technologies; they build a network of contacts with varied expertise; and they cooperate with international partners. Across Europe, this is not the organised crime threat that law enforcement was designed to tackle. Law enforcement is used to fighting strict hierarchical groups, but organised crime groups (OCGs) no longer have this structure; they are becoming 'loose, undefined and flexible networks'. But while law enforcement needs to evolve, there are also new allies to support them in their task. International bodies, industry regulators and affected sectors all have a role to play in reducing organised crime; as technology, infrastructure and regulation have advanced to facilitate legitimate business and cross-border trade, OCGs have found ways to similarly utilise these mechanisms, making them unintentional enablers of the illicit market. Efficient global commerce is an integral part of modern life, but the balance has not yet been found between facilitating trade and ensuring security. The approach to prosecution and sanction across the EU also requires reform. At present, member states are ineffective in deterring both new entrants to illicit trade and repeat offenders. Fundamentally, the rewards are too high and the risks are too low. Until this balance can be altered illicit trade will remain a key aspect of organised crime activity and continue to be a threat across the EU. This report is the culmination of an eighteen-month study conducted across five EU member states: Greece, Italy, Poland, Romania and Spain. The research team worked closely with law enforcement agencies, gaining some operational experience of both the threat and the methods undertaken to tackle it. In addition to desk research and fieldwork interviews with experts from the public and private sector, five workshops were held in the countries selected as case studies (see map below). The country-level research has also been supplemented by further work to examine assessments of, and responses to, illicit trade at the European level. This included a two-day conference in Brussels, examining the major themes raised by the research with representatives from law enforcement agencies, research organisations and European institutions, as well as the tobacco, alcohol and pharmaceutical industries. The report identifies key enablers of illicit trade, including: Corruption at European borders. Corrupt officials can undermine otherwise strict controls, and enable the EU’s outer defences to be easily breached by organised crime groups importing counterfeit or unlicensed goods. Free-trade zones are exploited by organised crime groups around the world, taking advantage of their limited oversight to re-document shipments and conceal their true origin, or even to conduct parts of the manufacturing process (see map below for locations of these zones). Postal and courier services are used by organised crime groups to transport illicit products, sending lower volumes of goods with greater frequency. Small courier companies represent a growing risk, with small vans regularly transporting hundreds of parcels across borders after only collecting minimal details from senders. The internet and social media enable the sale of illicit goods across Europe, in particular pharmaceutical products. While many consumers intentionally purchase goods in this manner, others are deceived into believing they are making a genuine purchase, with OCGs creating increasingly professional websites. Social acceptability is an important enabling factor for illicit trade across the EU, creating an environment in which demand for illicit products is tolerated. Details: London: Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies (RUSI), 2017. 75p. Source: Internet Resource: Whitehall Report 2-17: Accessed April 1, 2017 at: https://rusi.org/sites/default/files/201703_rusi_whr_2-17_on_tap_europe_updated_low-res.pdf Year: 2017 Country: Europe URL: Shelf Number: 144589 Keywords: Criminal Networks Illegal Alcohol Illegal Tobacco Illegal Trade Illicit marketsIllicit Trade Organized Crime Pharmaceuticals Tobacco |
Author: May, Channing Title: Transnational Crime and the Developing World Summary: his March 2017 report from Global Financial Integrity, "Transnational Crime and the Developing World," finds that globally the business of transnational crime is valued at an average of $1.6 trillion to $2.2 trillion annually. The study evaluates the overall size of criminal markets in 11 categories: the trafficking of drugs, arms, humans, human organs, and cultural property; counterfeiting, illegal wildlife crime, illegal fishing, illegal logging, illegal mining, and crude oil theft. The combination of high profits and low risks for perpetrators of transnational crime and the support of a global shadow financial system perpetuate and drive these abuses. The report also emphasizes how transnational crime undermines economies, societies, and governments in developing countries. National and global policy efforts that focus on curtailing the money are needed to more successfully combat these crimes and the illicit networks perpetrating them. Primary Findings Transnational crime is a business, and business is very good. Money is the primary motivation for these illegal activities. Of the 11 illicit activities studied, counterfeiting ($923 billion to $1.13 trillion) and drug trafficking ($426 billion to $652 billion) have the highest and second-highest values, respectively; illegal logging is the most valuable natural resource crime ($52 billion to $157 billion). The ranges demonstrate the serious magnitude of and threat posed by global transnational crime. The revenues generated from the 11 crimes covered in this report not only line the pockets of the perpetrators but also finance violence, corruption, and other abuses. Very rarely do the revenues from transnational crime have any long-term benefit to citizens, communities, or economies of developing countries. Instead, the crimes undermine local and national economies, destroy the environment, and jeopardize the health and well-being of the public. The report rankings for the illicit markets examined are: Counterfeiting $923 billion to $1.13 trillion Drug Trafficking --$426 billion to $652 billion Illegal Logging $52 billion to $157 billion Human Trafficking -- $150.2 billion Illegal Mining -- $12 billion to $48 billion IUU Fishing -- $15.5 billion to $36.4 billion Illegal Wildlife Trade -- $5 billion to $23 billion Crude Oil Theft -- $5.2 billion to $11.9 billion Small Arms & Light Weapons Trafficking -- $1.7 billion to $3.5 billion Organ Trafficking -- $840 million to $1.7 Total --$1.6 trillion to $2.2 trillion Policy Recommendations Transnational crime will continue to grow until the paradigm of high profits and low risks is challenged. In addition to current efforts to fight these crimes, this report calls on governments, experts, the private sector, and civil society groups to seek to address the global shadow financial system by promoting greater financial transparency. This will help cutoff the money flows and the profits, and it will increase the ability to bring these criminals to justice and defeat their illicit transnational networks. GFI recommends several steps governments and other regulatory bodies can take to increase the levels of detection and interdiction of the proceeds of transnational crime: Require that corporations registering and doing business within a country declare the name(s) of the entity's true, ultimate beneficial owner(s) Flag financial and trade transactions involving individuals and corporations in "secrecy jurisdictions" as high-risk and require extra documentation Scrutinize import and export invoices for signs of misinvoicing, which may indicate technical and/or physical smuggling Use world market price databases such as GFTradeTM to estimate the risk of misinvoicing for the declared values and investigate suspicious transactions Share more information between agencies and departments on the illicit markets and actors that exist within a country"s border Details: Washington, DC: Global Financial Integrity, 2017. 166p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 7, 2017 at: http://www.gfintegrity.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Transnational_Crime-final.pdf Year: 2017 Country: International URL: http://www.gfintegrity.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Transnational_Crime-final.pdf Shelf Number: 144741 Keywords: Criminal NetworksDeveloping NationsFinancial CrimesIllegal MarketsIllicit MarketsOrganized CrimeTransnational Crime |
Author: Reitano, Tuesday Title: Libya: The Politics of Power, Protection, Identity and illicit Trade Summary: Post-Revolution Libya has fractured into a volatile plethora of political ecosystems and protection economies, in which access to resources has become critical to survival. The struggle for control over illicit flows has shaped Libya's civil conflict and remains a decisive centrifugal force, actively preventing central state consolidation. Illicit flows exposed the deep fissures within Libyan society, divisions that the Gaddafi regime had controlled through a combination of force and the manipulation of economic interests in both the legitimate and illicit economy. The impact of illicit flows, however, has been different in different parts of the country: in a perverse resource triangle, coastal groups, while linked to the illicit economy (particularly through the control of ports and airports), have been paid by the state, while also relying on external financial support in a proxy war between competing interests centered in the Gulf. In the southern borderlands of the country, by contrast, control of trafficking, and the capture of the country's oil resources, have been key drivers in strengthening conflict protagonists. For some of the minority players in Libya's patchwork state, control over illicit resources became a way to bargain for attention in the transition. The gradual erosion of the legitimate economy following six years of protracted conflict and political stalemate has resulted in a status quo where the size and dynamism of illicit markets for fuel, human smuggling and subsidised goods far outweighs legitimate alternatives for several groups, thereby building the legitimacy of criminal actors over formal institutions. While the focus of much of the coverage of the external reporting of the Libyan conflict is on the divide between east and west, putting a spotlight on illicit trafficking also highlights the disparities between the coast and the interior. Unless the illicit economy, and the priorities of those who control it, are addressed holistically as part of the political transition, the possibilities for a peaceful settlement remain remote and the viability of the central state questionable. There are now no easy policy options. Details: Tokyo: United Nations University Centre for Policy Research, 2017. 16p. Source: Internet Resource: Crime-Conflict Nexus Series: No 3: Accessed June 16, 2017 at: https://i.unu.edu/media/cpr.unu.edu/attachment/2523/Libya-The-Politics-of-Power-Protection-Identity-and-Illicit-Trade-02.pdf Year: 2017 Country: Libya URL: https://i.unu.edu/media/cpr.unu.edu/attachment/2523/Libya-The-Politics-of-Power-Protection-Identity-and-Illicit-Trade-02.pdf Shelf Number: 146193 Keywords: Drug TraffickingIllegal TradeIllicit MarketsIllicit TradeOrganized Crime |
Author: Shaw, Mark Title: Global Illicit Flows and Local Conflict Dynamics: The Case for Pre-Emptive Analysis and Experimental Policy Options Summary: INTRODUCTION This paper seeks to address three interconnected policy questions: - First how do global illicit flows impact on local conflict dynamics? Are there specific conceptual features that can be identified that may assist us to analyse this phenomenon across cases? - By understanding these, second, what can be done to limit the negative impact of organised crime on violent conflict? Are new ideas required or is it only a question of recalibrating existing policy alternatives? - Third, what are the implications for international involvement in conflict affected states? Given the potential complexities of engaging in conflict spaces on what are often hidden or little understood criminal resource flows, are these even viable objectives for policy intervention, for either development or security actors? The paper draws at the outset on two contrasting case studies - that of conflict in Libya and Nigeria in the recent past - both of which have shaped our work and thinking on the topic. Libya and Nigeria have some interesting parallels and some important differences. In both cases the oil economy is an important resource and driver of some aspects of the conflict. However, in Libya's case transnational or cross-border flows and their control have played a more important role then in Nigeria. In the case of the latter, the Boko Haram insurgency shows little evidence of resourcing from wider criminal flows; the movement has largely survived on extortion or protection money of local trade to raise funds. In Libya, payments from proxies and the state (in the form of legal transfers) have sustained the conflict. In Libya the central state has little reach. In Nigeria, the central state is comparatively stronger, but suffers from a debilitating level of corruption, providing opportunities for collusion between state and non-state actors which sustain conflict. Thus, with respect to the conflict in the Niger Delta, there is strong complicity between state, business and criminal actors. While the paper's focus is largely on Africa, given that much of the discussion on the political economy of conflict has had a link to conflicts on the continent, it also seeks to build on our wider experience of working in and researching conflict zones elsewhere and engaging with the range of stakeholders involved. The discussion begins with a short overview of the history of the debate on the linkages between organised crime and conflict with an African focus. This schematic serves as an introduction to a series of analytical issues that we have drawn from both the Libyan and Nigerian case studies as well as our own analytical work conducted on organised crime and illicit networks in several other conflict zones. While we do not claim these to be a definitive list, we hope that they serve to promote debate about the state of the evolving discussion and the linkages between global flows and local conflicts. Referring to the connection between criminal flows and conflicts is not necessarily new. However, the scale of the challenge has changed as has the analytical discourse that is increasingly being adopted. The current debate in our views reflects a merging between an older literature on "greed or grievance" as a cause of conflict, and a newer (and less developed) one that has sought to identify organised crime as one 'driver' of conflict. Driver in this context has four overlapping dimensions: 1. Conflict over the control of illicit markets; 2. Illicit markets providing resources for continuing conflicts; 3. Illicit revenue streams associated with conflict (and the disruption that it brings) postponing peace by ensuring that incentives from the criminal economy are seen as more advantageous than from peace; and, 4. External resourcing of conflict actors and/or wide spread corruption associated with illicit markets which is a "bleeding sore" that erodes the state, preventing a decisive end to conflict (and through collusion in illicit markets provides incentives for state actors to gain from its continuance). As these points suggest, and as we will argue as the paper unfolds, there are important overlaps between the older work on "greed and grievance" and the emerging focus. What is lacking is a better way of conceptually framing the connections to allow a more sophisticated policy discussion. We conclude that policy in this area is better informed by identifying a set of principles around which to frame responses rather than a set of 'actions' that are unlikely to be replicable across conflicts. Details: Tokyo: University Nations University, 2017. 14p. Source: Internet Resource: Crime-Conflict Nexus Series: No 2: Accessed June 20, 2017 at: https://i.unu.edu/media/cpr.unu.edu/attachment/2518/Global-Illicit-Flows-and-Local-Conflict-Dynamics.pdf Year: 2017 Country: Africa URL: https://i.unu.edu/media/cpr.unu.edu/attachment/2518/Global-Illicit-Flows-and-Local-Conflict-Dynamics.pdf Shelf Number: 146316 Keywords: Crime-Conflict NexusIllicit GoodsIllicit marketsIllicit TradeOrganized Crime |
Author: Mawani, Fatima Title: Measuring Illicit Cannabis Seizures in Canada: Methods, Practices and Recommendations Summary: The measurement of illicit cannabis seizures in Canada was not previously studied in detail. Measuring seizures is important because the data can be analyzed to develop an understanding of many areas of cannabis regulation and enforcement - from trends in criminal methods or enforcement efficiency, to the size and value of illicit markets. This report examines the current methods of measuring the metric of cannabis seizures in Canada, with particular attention paid to the way seizure information is recorded by law enforcement officials. A discussion of potential improvements to the way Canada currently measures the metric of cannabis seizures is presented, including a critical review of which analyses could be undertaken if improvements to seizure reporting were introduced. Details: Ottawa: Public Safety Canada, 2017. 72p. Source: Internet Resource: RESEARCH REPORT: 2017-R002: Accessed September 7, 2017 at: https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/2017-r002/2017-r002-en.pdf Year: 2017 Country: Canada URL: https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/2017-r002/2017-r002-en.pdf Shelf Number: 147141 Keywords: CannabisDrug EnforcementIllegal DrugsIllicit marketsMarijuana |
Author: European Commission Title: Progress Report on implementation of Strategy to fight cigarette smuggling and other forms of illicit trade in tobacco products Summary: Cigarette smuggling has been a major concern in Europe for some time. The illicit tobacco trade makes cigarettes available at prices lower than those set to discourage smoking. At the same time, illicit products typically do not comply with product regulation, such as labelling. The illicit tobacco trade also causes considerable losses to public revenue: if all cigarettes sold on the black market were sold legally, the budget of the EU and its Member States would receive above EUR 10 billion annually. Last but not least, cigarette smuggling is a source of revenue for organised criminal groups from Europe and beyond, and there are indications that in some instances it is also linked to financing terrorism. Fighting the illicit tobacco trade is therefore also key to protecting the security of the EU. In 2013, the Commission presented a comprehensive Strategy to step up the fight against the illicit tobacco trade. Based on a detailed analysis of the phenomenon of smuggling in the EU and the factors driving it, the Strategy proposed ways to counter the illicit tobacco trade, building on an earlier Action Plan to fight the smuggling of cigarettes and alcohol along the EU's eastern border. The 2013 Strategy was accompanied by a new Action Plan with 50 items to be implemented by the Commission and/or Member States. Strategy and Action Plan were endorsed by the Council through conclusions on 10 December 2013. The European Parliament has recently underlined the need to intensify the fight against the illicit tobacco trade, in particular with regard to cheap whites. This report fulfils a 2013 commitment by the Commission to monitor implementation of the Strategy and the Action Plan, with special regard to the specific factors driving the problem. Section B of the report offers an overview of the main initiatives taken since the presentation of the 2013 Strategy. Section C briefly describes the current situation with the illicit market. Section D discusses lessons learned since then and makes some suggestions for further reflection. Details: Brussels: European Commission, 2017. 13p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 25, 2017 at: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52017DC0235&from=EN Year: 2017 Country: Europe URL: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52017DC0235&from=EN Shelf Number: 147436 Keywords: Cigarette Smuggling Illegal Trade Illicit MarketsIllicit Tobacco Trade Tobacco |
Author: Shaw, Mark Title: Africa's Changing Place in the Global Criminal Economy Summary: Africa's role in the global criminal economy is shifting. This is a function of several factors, including changes in African and global illicit markets, as well as the kinds of vulnerabilities that have marked the continent's recent history. This shift has happened in a fairly short space of time - notably over the last two decades. Tracking this change is challenging, however. Data is scarce given that research on how Africa is connected to the global criminal economy is but in its infancy. But if the detrimental effects on Africa caused by global illicit markets and organised crime could be efficiently captured and measured - in terms of lost lives and lost livelihoods, poor governance, conflict, the obliteration of natural resources (such as rare animal species) - then the cumulative damage would no doubt be clearer for all to see. The results would highlight the need for a sustained focus to address the challenge. But, even with the fragmentary data that we do have, there can be little doubt that organised crime has emerged as a key feature of the African policy debate in recent years. Its impact is widespread and growing, yet it is little understood. The rising influence of criminal networks is part of a wider realignment of the international system, to which Africa belongs. An array of networks - commercial, social, political and criminal - now stand alongside traditional forms of statehood.1 Disentangling these interwoven networks and understanding how the criminal economy in particular, shapes governance and distorts development must now be key objectives for analysts of African affairs. References to criminal influence and 'shadow economies' are now pervasive in much of the recent writing on Africa, but there have been few attempts to consider these phenomena in their own right. Several analysts have observed that, far from isolating Africa from the global economy, illicit markets are integrating the continent in a significant way - even if only into the perverse underside of globalisation. Criminal markets, for example, have revitalised ancient African trade and pilgrimage routes that connect the continent to the Mediterranean and the Middle East. In patterns that are both old and new, Africa is becoming more enmeshed in a global web of illicit economic networks. Today, the continent is regularly featured in media reports on worldwide criminal markets and organised crime. Such coverage often focuses on what might be called organised corruption; the so-called 'migrant crisis' enabled by human smuggling from North Africa and the Sahel; or the poaching of animal species, such as rhinos and elephants in Southern Africa; the growth of different types of financial fraud; or the illegal trade in commodities or drugs across the continent. Indeed, one of the marked features of Africa's criminal economy is its diversity. How do we analyse the recent growth of these illicit markets and the organised-crime networks associated with them in Africa? And how do we understand and measure their impact on indicators such as governance, economic development, poverty reduction, human security and quality of life? What impact do they have on Africa's long-standing (and increasing) conflicts and on violence? And how can we do so in a way that is useful across the plethora of criminal challenges Africa now faces? These are the challenges that the ENACT project aims to address. The objective of ENACT is to enrich the foundation of the evidence basis on organised crime and its activities across the continent through research, qualitative and quantitative data gathering, multi-sectoral policy engagement, awareness raising and advocacy. But at the outset of this project, it is clear that the way in which organised crime in Africa has evolved cannot be understood without understanding wider trends in the global criminal economy. That is the focus of this report. Details: Pretoria: ENACT, 2017. 44p. Source: Internet Resource: Continental Report 01: Accessed September 27, 2017 at: https://enact-africa.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/2017-09-26-enact-continental-report1.pdf Year: 2017 Country: Africa URL: https://enact-africa.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/2017-09-26-enact-continental-report1.pdf Shelf Number: 147471 Keywords: Criminal MarketsCriminal NetworksEconomics of CrimeIllegal tradeIllicit MarketsOrganized Crime |
Author: Martinez, Cesar Title: Security Policy in Mexico: Recommendations for the 2018 Presidential Election Summary: For over ten years, Mexico's security situation has been a consistent public concern and policy priority. Since the 2000 democratic transition, the country's criminal landscape has changed dramatically. The dissolution of implicit organized-crime political agreements, a move toward more confrontational security strategies, and intra- and inter-group fighting have shattered criminal groups, pushed criminal activity into new industries and exploitative practices, and forced the Mexican government to rethink and continuously adjust its security strategy. The result of these changes is that today's organized criminal groups look different from their historic predecessors, which dedicated their time and energy primarily to transporting and cultivating drugs and keeping a low profile. Today's groups experiment with a range of illicit revenue-generating activities and have adopted shockingly brutal and violent tactics. These profits are then funneled into corrupting political institutions at every level, weakening the government's ability to fulfill its mandate and decimating public trust. The overall insecurity also hurts the country's economy, with estimates that it slashes 1.25 percent off the country's GDP every year. In July 2018, Mexico will elect its next president for the following six years. In the backdrop, the country's homicide level is once again on the rise after a two-year drop. Further, almost 60 percent of the population reported in 2016 that insecurity or delinquency was Mexico's principal problem. These ongoing challenges and concerns will ensure that public security features prominently in the upcoming presidential campaigns and will be a central issue for the incoming administration. To address some of these issues, this Policy Research Project on Mexico's security policy- sponsored by the Robert Strauss Center for International Security and Law-will address Mexico's major security challenges and offer a series of policy recommendations. The report is divided into four chapters, focusing on the overall security strategy, important domestic and international security issues, illicit economic markets, and civil society efforts. Within each chapter, the authors identify the current policies, evaluate their effectiveness, and provide steps for a path forward to a safer and more secure Mexico. Details: Austin, TX: Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, University of Texas at Austin, 2017. 166p. Source: Internet Resource: Policy Research Project Report Number 193 ; Accessed December 6, 2017 at: https://repositories.lib.utexas.edu/bitstream/handle/2152/61475/prp_193-security_policy_in_mexico-2017.pdf?sequence=3&isAllowed=y Year: 2017 Country: Mexico URL: https://repositories.lib.utexas.edu/bitstream/handle/2152/61475/prp_193-security_policy_in_mexico-2017.pdf?sequence=3&isAllowed=y Shelf Number: 148728 Keywords: Drug TraffickingHomicidesIllegal MarketsIllicit MarketsMurdersOrganized CrimePublic SecurityViolenceViolent Crime |
Author: Koenraadt, Rosa Marthe Title: The Illicit Medicines Trade from Within: An analysis of the demand and supply sides of the illicit market for lifestyle medicines Summary: Although the existence of illicit medicines is not new, all sorts of medicines, ranging from antibiotics to weight loss drugs, antimalarial tablets to steroids, are increasingly traded worldwide. The illicit medicines market is generally associated with considerable health risks for its users, as well as with high revenues and a perceived growing degree of criminal organization. It is therefore important to gain extensive criminological insights into this global market. However, with a few exceptions, little criminological research has been conducted on the supply and demand sides of the illicit pharmaceutical market. The current thesis aims to engage directly with these perceptions as it fills gaps in the literature, by providing in-depth and empirically grounded theoretical insights on the online and offline trade in illicit pharmaceuticals, with particular reference to lifestyle pharmaceuticals. The main focus lies on the dynamics and activities of actors on both the demand and supply sides of the illicit medicines market in the Netherlands, and on the production and transnational distribution of illicit medicines in and from China. The central research question of this thesis is: how are actors involved in the illicit medicines trade, and how is the illicit market structured. In order to understand the dynamic interplay among actors as they operate, compete and develop trust relations, as well as how the illicit market is structured, a mixed-method approach of both qualitative and quantitative data is adopted. This includes the use of interviews with suppliers, consumers and professionals, an online study of vending websites and discussion platforms, an analysis of court cases and a survey study among consumers. This study shows that it is important to distinguish between deceived and non-deceived consumers of illicit medicines; this distinction is associated with important differences in motives for consumption, risk perception, risk management and feelings of shame or failure. In addition, the illicit medicines market can be characterized by the blurring and shifting boundaries among online and offline markets, as well the legitimate, semi-legitimate and illegitimate trade. Consumers and suppliers engage in various forms of risk minimization in order to obtain an acceptable balance between anonymity, deceit, trust and privacy. Furthermore, the illicit medicines trade is characterized by low entry barriers, especially through online distribution channels. As such, although the market has been portrayed as one that organized crime groups control on a large scale, this study shows that there is a large continuum of suppliers, traders and sellers that are involved in the market, which makes the trade in illicit medicines rather unorganized, with shifting roles and highly flexible networks. Details: Utrecht: Utrecht University, 2018. 272p. Source: Internet Resource: Dissertation: Accessed May 23, 2018 at: https://dspace.library.uu.nl/handle/1874/359561 Year: 2018 Country: International URL: https://dspace.library.uu.nl/handle/1874/359561 Shelf Number: 150340 Keywords: Counterfeit Medicines Counterfeit Pharmaceuticals Illicit MarketsIllicit Medicines Illicit Trade Organized Crime |
Author: Kasipo, Mafaro Title: Political Transition in Zimbabwe. A New Era for Organized Crime? Summary: This policy brief constitutes a first step towards developing more comprehensive assessments that will broaden our understanding of organized crime and illicit markets in Zimbabwe. It analyzes the development of illicit economies during the three periods of political transition that occurred in Zimbabwe since the country attained independence in 1980, and looks ahead to the current phase of transition under its new president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, whose young administration was cemented by victory for his party at the polls on 30 July 2018.The brief outlines the relationship between Zimbabwe's political transitions and its illicit economies, in particular the central role played by the state in controlling, shaping and benefiting from organized crime. Certain forms of state-sponsored illicit activity have been prevalent during specific phases in Zimbabwe's political trajectory, but are not exclusive to those transitions.In Zimbabwean politics, illicit economies have been a mainstay of the patronage system that ensured that the ruling party, ZANU-PF (Zimbabwe African National Union - Patriotic Front), remained in power for 37 years under Robert Mugabe. Arguably, therefore, there is a possibility that illicit economies will continue to pose a threat to the implementation of a legitimate constitutional democracy in the post-Mugabe era. Details: Geneva, SWIT: Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, 2018. 25p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 4, 2018 at: http://globalinitiative.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/TGIATOC-Zim-Organised-Crime-Report-WEB.pdf Year: 2018 Country: Zimbabwe URL: http://globalinitiative.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/TGIATOC-Zim-Organised-Crime-Report-WEB.pdf Shelf Number: 151343 Keywords: Illicit MarketsOrganized CrimePolitical Corruption |
Author: Comision Mexicana de Defensa y Promocion de los Derechos Humanos Title: Violaciones graves a derechos humanos en la guerra contra las drogas en Mexico (Human rights violations in the context of the war on drugs in Mexico) Summary: Prohibition policies regarding drugs have failed in their goal of achieving a "drug-free world" and have forced the drug market to remain illegal. This has triggered an illicit market, exclusively controlled by organized crime cartels, who have created links to other criminal markets and use violence as a primary form of regulation. In December 2006, former President Felipe Calderon Hinojosa (2006-2012) launched an open confrontation strategy against organized crime locally known as guerra contra el narcotrafico and known internationally as the war on drugs. This policy set de facto military control over the country's public security through the deployment of thousands of troops throughout the national territory and the replacement of multiple civil government leaders of public security institutions at all levels by active and retired military elements. An example of this is the fact that elements of the military and federal, state and municipal police forces systematically transfer arrested civilians to military or exclusive control facilities, where without any monitoring of civil authorities, detainees suffer ill treatment, torture and even enforced disappearance. It has also been documented how in joint operations with civilian authorities, military elements dress in civilian clothing. The press and mass media have systematically spread the federal government's vision, where people who are killed as a result of the strategy against organized crime are not civilians but "fallen criminals", without any prior investigation and despite the fact that in many cases it was subsequently proven that they did not belong to any group or organized crime and posed no "threat" to society. Additionally, the violent confrontation of civil public security and armed forces against organized crime groups has increased. The cartels' territorial division was disbanded, the fight for drug distribution routes intensified and large cartels were fragmented into smaller groups that fought for territorial control, diversifying their criminal activity. Likewise, there has been indiscriminate use of lethal force and an unjustifiable extension of State powers, through the adoption of laws and figures, such as arraigo (pre-charge judicial detention) and protected witnesses, which operate to the detriment of judicial rights and guarantees. In 2012 the administration of President Enrique Pena Nieto began. The discourse of war promoted by the Calderon administration was replaced by one of institutional strengthening and building a full rule of law. However, the security strategy has not changed significantly. As a result of the inertia of these strategies, Mexico has accumulated alarming numbers of dead, enforced disappeared and displaced persons, and as a result of the widespread violence there has been an increase in corruption and impunity. Details: Del. Cuauhtemoc, Mexico: PDH, 2016?. 28p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 18, 2018 at: https://www.pdh.org/publicaciones-pdf/pdh-violaciones-graves-a-ddhh-en-la-guerra-contra-las-drogas-en-mexico.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Mexico URL: https://www.pdh.org/publicaciones-pdf/pdh-violaciones-graves-a-ddhh-en-la-guerra-contra-las-drogas-en-mexico.pdf Shelf Number: 151591 Keywords: Drug TraffickingDrug-Related ViolenceHuman Rights AbusesIllicit MarketsOrganized CrimeWar on Drugs |
Author: Pavlovich, Steven Title: Guns on Our Doorstep: Illicit Firearm Markets of South East Asia Summary: This project was developed as a reference article for Australian Police and Customs in several parts relating to the developing illicit firearm markets in South East Asia and the identification of workshop made firearms being manufactured in South East Asia. Recently there has been a strong resurgence in the development of illicit firearm manufacturing centres in South East Asia producing firearms, firearms parts and ammunition and it has been reported that the number of illicit firearms in South East Asia could easily be in excess of ten million firearms. Porous borders within this region facilitate the distribution of illicit distribution of firearms. This article reports on the types of firearms seizures in Australia that relate too or have been identified as of South East Asian workshop manufacture with photographs showing parts and details of manufacturing techniques, materials and components used where possible. This research has also endeavoured to identify the regional styles and types of firearms being illegally workshop manufactured in South East Asia with descriptions of construction methods and materials used and discussing these with photographs and drawings for reference. Details: Perth, Western Australia: Australian Police Journal, 2015. 40p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 16, 2019 at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328963582_GUNS_ON_OUR_DOORSTEP_-_Illicit_Firearm_Markets_of_South_East_Asia_Australian_Police_Journal_March_2015 Year: 2015 Country: Asia URL: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328963582_GUNS_ON_OUR_DOORSTEP_-_Illicit_Firearm_Markets_of_South_East_Asia_Australian_Police_Journal_March_2015 Shelf Number: 154176 Keywords: Asia Australian Police and Customs Firearm Manufacturing Firearm Markets Firearm Seizure Gun Markets Illicit Firearms Manufacturing Illicit Markets |
Author: Ball, Matthew Title: Data Capture and Analysis of Darknet Markets Summary: Darknet markets have been studied to varying degrees of success for several years (since the original Silk Road was launched in 2011), but many obstacles are involved which prevent a complete and systematic survey. The Australian National University's Cybercrime Observatory has developed tools to collect and analyse data captured from the darknet (illicit cryptomarkets). This report describes, at the high level, a method for collecting, and analysing, data from specific darknet marketplaces. Examples of typical results that may be obtained from darknet markets and current limitations to the automation of data capture are briefly outlined. While the proposed solution is not error-free, it is a significant step in the direction of providing a comprehensive solution tailored for data scientists, social scientists, and anyone interested in analysing trends from darknet markets. Details: Canberra: Australian National University (ANU); ANU Cybercrime Observatory, 2019. 14p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 13, 2019 at: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3344936 Year: 2019 Country: Australia URL: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3344936 Shelf Number: 155400 Keywords: CryptomarketsCybercrimesDark WebIllicit Markets |
Author: Euromonitor International, Title: Size and Shape of the Global Illicit Alcohol Market Summary: Alcoholic beverages are deeply ingrained in most societies worldwide, with global consumption in 2017 generating US$1.6 trillion in legally registered sales1 of 222.8 million hectolitres of pure alcohol ("hectolitres of alcohol equivalent", or hl lae). However, despite the efforts of policy-makers, law enforcement officials, and legitimate alcohol manufacturers, illicit alcoholic beverages still account for a significant share of the total volume of alcohol consumed in many countries. This white paper explores critical issues affecting the problem of illicit alcohol in today's global alcohol industry. To this end, the paper analyses research conducted in 24 countries in Latin America, Africa, and Eastern Europe, and examines the major factors shaping their illicit alcohol markets. Illicit alcohol is prevalent in these countries: Of the 42.3 million hl lae of total alcohol consumed each year, approximately 25.8% is illicit. In other words, nearly 10.9 million hl lae of illicit alcohol is consumed annually in these 24 countries alone. This suggests they represent an effective sample for exploring this important topic. Illicit alcoholic beverages are defined as those not complying with the regulations and taxes in the countries where they are consumed, resulting in serious health risks to consumers, revenue loss, and brand degradation for legitimate manufacturers, as well as reduced tax revenue for governments. These products are responsible for hundreds of cases of death and illness due to accidental methanol intoxication, millions of dollars used to fund other criminal activities, and the fiscal loss of billions of dollars in unpaid taxes. Health risks affect the poorest and most vulnerable consumers by contributing to widening health inequalities. The most significant risks and costs for each country depend on the characteristics of the local market for illicit alcohol. The landscape of illicit alcohol is varied and complex, ranging from homemade artisanal beverages sold without the proper sanitary permits to legitimately branded bottles of alcohol smuggled illegally into a country. However, although market characteristics differ across countries, the problem of illicit alcohol exists in every region, in developed and developing countries, urban and rural areas, and higher-income and lower-income neighbourhoods alike. Governments, businesses, and civil society organizations - all stakeholders with vested interests in curbing illicit trade - have responded to this problem from many angles. The approaches are as varied as the markets themselves, but have often been partial or ineffective, especially due to rapid adaptation of illicit businesses to new regulations and restrictions This white paper analyses and summarises findings that may help stakeholders better understand the illicit alcohol trade. In particular, the paper identifies five themes that are shaping the global illicit alcohol trade and affecting the stakeholder initiatives intended to reduce it. Details: London: Author, 2018. 42p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 24, 2019 at: https://www.tracit.org/uploads/1/0/2/2/102238034/illicit_alcohol__-_white_paper.pdf Year: 2018 Country: International URL: https://www.tracit.org/uploads/1/0/2/2/102238034/illicit_alcohol__-_white_paper.pdf Shelf Number: 156727 Keywords: Alcohol IndustryConsumer FraudIllicit AlcoholIllicit MarketsIllicit ProductsIllicit TradeOrganized Crime |
Author: KPMG Title: Eurasian Economic Union Illicit Cigarette Report Summary: Key findings: Illicit cigarette consumption has grown rapidly in the Eurasian Economic Union from 2015 to 2018 - Illicit cigarette consumption rose from 0.6% to 6.8% of total consumption in the past 4 years, representing over 20bn cigarettes in 2018 - Had these cigarettes been sold legally in 2018, an additional 68bn RUB would have been collected in taxes (VAT & Excise) across the Eurasian Economic Union in 2018, with 99% of the taxes lost from Russia - A large proportion of the growth occurred in the Russian Federation, where non-domestic cigarette consumption increased from 0.7% to 8.7% of consumption, of which 90% was illicit. Widening price differences between countries and free movement of goods and people are two possible drivers behind the growth in illicit cigarette consumption - The price differences (in particular between Belarus and Russia) have increased by over 40%, making cigarettes from Belarus more affordable(с) - In addition, the establishment of the EEU (in 2015) enabled free movement of goods and people, reducing customs inspections between countries and removing limits on goods imported for personal consumption - The 8 billion Belarusian labelled cigarettes identified in Russia were not supported by the number of travellers buying for their own personal consumption, indicating that a high volume of cigarettes are contraband. Furthermore the seizures of millions of Belarusian labelled cigarettes in Russia indicated that these cigarettes are transported by criminal networks. Distributors of illicit cigarettes have grown to exploit the price differences, reduced affordability and the lack of personal allowance quotas when travelling between EEU countries, especially from Belarus to Russia - Belarus is the primary source of illicit cigarettes, with almost 8 billion of the 20 billion illicit cigarettes identified in this study coming from Belarusian trademark-owned manufacturers, whilst production capacity was reported at 29 billion cigarettes(4) which is not supported by domestic consumption (estimated at 16 billion) - Belarusian labelled cigarettes were identified across Russia, indicating that they are being purchased by consumers who are not travelling across the Belarusian border - In addition, 47% of C&C identified had no identifiable origin including counterfeit, illicit whites and cigarettes with suspicious Russian tax stamps, which have had no taxes paid in any jurisdiction. Some may be illegally manufactured inside Russia - Illicit cigarette smuggling has been shown to help enable Organised Criminal Groups (OCGs), using similar networks to sell other products and its rapid growth in EEU is unlikely to be any different, as profits can be high whilst penalties remain low. Throughout the report, our analysis has focussed on the following categories of cigarette consumption: Legal domestic consumption - Cigarettes legally purchased and consumed within the country of study, based on In Market Sales data provided by the tobacco industry Non-domestic legal (ND(L)) - ND(L) represents cigarettes which are purchased in another country but legally consumed in the country of study, through cross-border or tourism purchases. This represents 0.8% of total consumption in the EEU Illicit consumption - divided into three components: - Illicit Whites: Cigarettes that are usually manufactured in one country/market but which the evidence suggests have been smuggled across borders during their transit to the destination market under review where they have limited or no legal distribution and are sold without payment of tax - Contraband (Other): Cigarettes where the tax was paid legally in one country, but the cigarettes were taken to another country and re-sold without any applicable tax, mainly when the excise tax regimes in the source country are lower than the destination country. Many of these cigarettes originated from an EEU country and whilst they were legally transported (due to no legal personal allowance limits) they were then re-sold illegally - Counterfeit: Cigarettes that deliberately copy a legally traded brand, deceiving consumers who believe that they are purchasing this brand. Counterfeit was only identified by participating trademark owners in the Empty Pack Survey - Russian suspicious tax stamps: Cigarettes where further analysis has revealed that the packs may have been sold without the payment of tax, despite bearing domestic labelling Details: London: Author, 2019. 48p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 28, 2019 at: https://www.stopillegal.com/docs/default-source/external-docs/eea-illicit-cigarette-report-2018-english.pdf?Status=Temp&sfvrsn=ab4677d7_2 Year: 2019 Country: Europe URL: https://www.stopillegal.com/docs/default-source/external-docs/eea-illicit-cigarette-report-2018-english.pdf?Status=Temp&sfvrsn=ab4677d7_2 Shelf Number: 156923 Keywords: AsiaCigarettes ContrabandCounterfeit Cigarettes Counterfeit Goods EuropeIllicit Cigarettes Illicit Markets Illicit Trade Organized Crime Tax Evasion Tobacco |
Author: Grajales, Ana Title: Anatomy of Urban Corruption: A Review of Official Corruption Complaints from a Mexican City Summary: The people who partake in corruption have an incentive to hide their illicit behavior. This represents a strategic challenge to law enforcement officials across Latin American cities. A related concern is that formal claims submitted to a city's anti-corruption agency are seldom analyzed in a systematic manner. We respond to these challenges by examining a unique (and anonymized) dataset containing 445 claims collected by an urban district government in central Mexico. First, we propose a novel typology of urban corruption, which can later be applied to analyze corruption-related claims elsewhere. As a next step, we apply this typology to study the claims submitted to the district government in question. Large agencies and the agencies responsible for regulating the construction sector are found to be most vulnerable to corruption. The district as a whole also comes across as lacking in transparency and as struggling with bribery and kickback schemes. Details: Houston, Texas: Baker Institute for Public Policy, 2018. 34p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed September 1, 2019 at: https://www.bakerinstitute.org/research/anatomy-urban-corruption-review-official-corruption-complaints-mexican-city/ Year: 2018 Country: Mexico URL: https://www.bakerinstitute.org/media/files/research-document/120a0539/mex-pub-corruption-lagunes-121318.pdf Shelf Number: 157083 Keywords: Bribery Corruption Illicit Markets |