Understanding Organized Crime - Essay Example

Organized crime has existed in the ancient world with bands of pirates and thieves attacking remote areas of the countryside. Crime in the ancient world was mostly prevalent in the rural areas because of the remoteness and wilderness of these regions. Thugs were considered to be one of the earliest organized crimes which operated in India. Piracy was a recurrent problem that plagued the ancient world as ships carrying goods and people were attacked and plundered (Albanese, 2003). The nobility in the middle ages displayed characteristics that were typical organized criminals.

Their domination and subordination of the modes of production, legal structure, and armies ensured that they could repress and violently engage in criminal activities. Modern criminal gangs began to appear in the urban areas. Ethnic minorities living in countries like the United States set up their own gangs which engaged in criminal activities. Organized crime has become sophisticated because of the advent of technologies like the internet to perpetrate their crimes (Albanese, 2003). Organized criminal groups flourish in areas where they have local support.

Criminal members use a number of tactics to influence businesses, police, and legal establishment in order to maintain their activities. Blackmail and bribery are some of the methods which are used to intimidate or scare opponents. Criminal groups have shown remarkable resilience in their ability to respond to crisis (Berdal, 2002). They have shown amazing ability to adapt according to changing situations. New opportunities are quickly grasped with the criminal group moving into the market. Modern organized crime uses the internet, shadowy bank accounts, and links with other groups to engage in illegal activities.

Internet fraud and stealing of information are some of the newest activities promoted by organized criminal groups. The internet makes it safe for criminal