The recent Pandemic Crime Index highlights the adaptability of organized crime networks. By pooling resources and expertise, these criminal groups have increased their capacity to do harm. Moreover, victims have few alternatives to avoiding exploitation. Hence, it is crucial to prevent organized crime from exploiting a globalized world. But, how can governments combat this problem? Is globalization affecting organized crime?
Organized crime not only threatens public health, but also undermines the rule of law. Public health measures, such as enforcing laws, are compromised by bribes from organised crime groups. They also impede economic development and security by corrupting public officials. In some countries, they recruit police officers with an unofficial fee. This is just another example of how organised crime is exploiting a globalised world.
The question of whether organised crime is destroying the legal world should be a central consideration. This is particularly true in the case of the European Union. Organized crime is a significant player in the global economy, penetrating numerous sectors and affecting the lives of millions of people. Moreover, it raises huge amounts of money from illegal activities, much of which flows back into the legal economy disguised as investments. In 2009, these illicit proceeds totalled $2.1 trillion, including more than $1.65 trillion reinvested in the legal economy.
The impact of globalization on criminology is apparent in every country, including Lithuania. In recent years, we have observed a rise in international crimes. This global phenomenon calls for multifaceted responses to the problem. A key component of any plan to combat organized crime is raising awareness. Awareness is necessary for social mobilization. In addition to the police, the public should be educated on the issue of organized crime. Far-reaching action plans are necessary to tackle the scourge.
As the threat of organized crime continues to rise, it is essential to strengthen the global response to combat it. A coordinated response must be in place to curb these crime activities. The Transnational Organized Crime Index will help governments and regional bodies formulate a global strategy to combat these threats. The globalization of crime has created a global market for organized crime. Moreover, this crime has become an integral part of the global economic system, making it very difficult to combat it.
Organized crime has also increased in sophistication. With globalization came improved communication technologies and deregulated financial markets. More open borders meant increased movements of people and money. Several new technologies have made criminal organisations more effective. High-quality video conferencing, encrypted digital streaming, and digital transactions have made criminal networks more efficient. These developments have enabled these networks to expand their operations. They are able to target different parts of the world and conduct a variety of illegal activities.
Organised crime has branched out from traditional vices to include human trafficking and smuggling. These new growth areas include human trafficking in various forms, including international supply of young people as sex workers. In addition to prostitution, other crimes involve forced labour, theft of human tissues, and counterfeit goods. This is a globalized problem requiring international attention. There are many ways to combat this crime.