Illegal Activities in Organized Crime

Illegal Activities in Organized Crime Groups

Organized crime is as old as society itself. When considered, organized crime usually springs thoughts of Mafioso's or gangs with guns. This is common as it has only been in the last several decades that organized crime has been glamorized and portrayed as more than an illegal and sometimes petty lifestyle of families and groups.

There is however, more than such cliche realities within organized crime groups. The actuality of organized crime is hardly defined by hoodlum thugs and illegally wealthy Italian families. It can be defined by any social class, group, or institution which partakes knowingly in illegal activity. The unveiling of organized crime groups in previous years has proven that their inner-workings have managed to infiltrate every aspect of both lower and higher society. From politics to street-corner operations, organized crime can be found in the framework of near every aspect of civilization.

As in the infamous Savings and Loan Scandal of the 1980's where the most outlandish level of fraud in history was committed and eventually tied to high-ranking politicians, illegal politics have been uncovered throughout every political corner of the world (Grosvenor, 2007).

Organized crime groups are known to have operatives in higher politics as a result of their 'paying-off' such individuals. In bribing and buying, many organized crime groups are able to operate without policing issues or legalities obstructing their business. This is commonly the way in which they infiltrate politics.

Organized crime groups are also known to financially fund and aid politicians running in various areas of government. Though another consideration of bribing, this is moreover a method of control within the law and the government.

Many organized crime groups are comprised of emigrants who have contacts in their country of origin whom are also part of organized crime groups abroad. These contacts open windows of opportunity for drug-trafficking. With immunity to police action and legal repercussions, these groups are able to thrive on drug selling income and monopolizing (Marat, 2006).

Organized crime groups are also able to monopolize the entire districts in which they operate. Running major drug operations, the sale of illegal firearms and other products, these groups flourish on unverifiable and untaxed income.