Transnational Organized Crime

"Criminal networks are exploiting global vulnerabilities on a vast scale from human trafficking to environmental destruction and cybercrime. Organized crime operates across borders, posing serious challenges that no country can tackle alone."- United Nations. On 15 November 2024, the world marks the first International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime (TOC), established by the United Nations General Assembly. This day highlights the urgent need for global solidarity to counter the rising threat of organized crime, which undermines peace, security and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year’s theme is Pulling Together to Push Back: United against Organized Crime. TOC Day calls for united global action. The devastating impact of organized crime threatens lives, destabilizes communities and hinders economic and social development. But despite these challenges, there is hope. This day serves as a rallying point for action, demonstrating that collective efforts by governments, the private sector, civil society and individuals can achieve real change. Impact of Organized Crime. Transnational organized crime is big business. In 2009 it was estimated to generate $870 billion. The United Nations (UN) states that organized crime thrives worldwide, affecting governance and political processes, and weakening the advancement of the rule of law. It encompasses, inter alia, illicit trafficking of firearms, drugs, protected species, cultural property, or falsified medical products and, among its most severe manifestations, human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants. It also includes the laundering of proceeds of crime and obstruction of justice. Moreover, with all forms of organized crime shifting ever more to being dependent on or incorporating online aspects, including the use of virtual assets, its reach and capability of harm is increasing. Organized criminal groups are flexible in changing or expanding their illicit businesses for profit. They misuse vulnerabilities and crisis situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturns, natural disasters, and armed conflicts exploiting them for their own purposes. Organized crime threatens peace and human security, leads to human rights being violated and undermines the economic, social, cultural, political and civil development of societies around the world. The vast sums of money involved can compromise legitimate economies and have a direct impact on governance, such as through corruption and the "buying" of elections. Latin America and the Caribbean. All countries in Latin America and the Caribbean face great challenges regarding stability and security. Corruption, drug trafficking, and money laundering, and a perception of insecurity fueled by crimes such as homicide, theft, or extortion, progressively undermine citizens’ trust in their institutions, and erode political and legal stability. As a result, many countries in the region have made an international commitment to work to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 16 focuses on achieving just, peaceful, and inclusive societies by reducing violence, fighting corruption, strengthening institutions, and promoting transparency and citizen participation. All these goals require a strong commitment from States authorities in the fight against crime, in particular against corruption and all forms of global organized crime. The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) is a powerful international tool to which almost all Latin American countries are dedicated, including effective mechanisms to recover proceeds of corruption. Commitments adopted by States Parties and signatories to the Convention are precisely and clearly aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, specifically with SDG 16. Latin America and the Caribbean’s experience in fighting corruption, financial and organized crime have yielded a great number of lessons. The most important is the need to remove economic incentives for financial and organized crimes. Many Latin American countries have understood that while prosecuting criminals is essential to improve national security and stability, it is nonetheless insufficient. Undoubtedly, as long as the economic incentives remain, crime as a social phenomenon will not only continue to exist, but it will also continue to grow. Consequently, forfeiting proceeds of crime is critical in reducing violence, fighting corruption and strengthening institutions. United Against Organized Crime. The General Assembly commemorated all victims of organized crime, including those who have lost their lives fighting such crime, in particular law enforcement and judicial personnel, and paying special tribute to all those persons, such as Judge Giovanni Falcone, whose work and sacrifice paved the way for the adoption of the Convention, and affirming that their legacy lives on through our global commitment to preventing and combating organized crime. It is important to note that CARICOM also is on board in the fight against organized crime. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) is committed to working with Member States to disrupt, dismantle and defeat organized crime within its borders, with particular attention to corruption, money laundering and the facilitators of crime. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) was established by the 27th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in July 2006, in Bird Rock, St. Kitts and Nevis, as the implementation arm of a new regional architecture to manage CARICOM’s action agenda on crime and security. Organized crime steals, corrupts and kills. It is time we pull together to push back. International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime calls for united global action. In observation of TOC Day there must be an increased awareness concerning the far-reaching impacts of organized crime on communities, economies and governance systems across the globe as well as encouraging stronger partnerships between governments, civil society and the private sector to address the cross-border nature of organized crime and develop joint solutions. The global community must also highlight grassroots efforts and community-led initiatives that build resilience against organized crime. Focus on prevention strategies to tackle the root causes of organized crime and empower local responses as well as share innovative tools, strategies and best practices to combat organized crime while strengthening the capacity of law enforcement, the justice sector and communities. Additionally, the UN advocates for policies that address the root causes and consequences of organized crime, reinforcing governance, the rule of law and human rights. Finally, there must be an acknowledgement regarding the threats and opportunities posed by technology in the fight against organized crime, from the rise of cybercrime to the use of tech in more effective detection, prevention and responses. Organized crime is a threat to all. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #TransnationalOrganizedCrime #StopOrganizedCrime