Are States sufficiently equipped to respond and fight against transnational criminal organizations?
Transnational criminal organizations are constantly adapting. They constantly use new methods, new technologies. They are constantly looking for new markets and new sources of profit. Rather than wondering if states are sufficiently armed, we must ask if they adapt sufficiently to the way in which organizations or criminal markets evolve. This implies that the States have different strengths and tools, as well as appropriate means of cooperation. Obviously, technological capabilities are part of these necessities.
This article is taken from “Special Edition Le Monde: Mafias, how organized crime threatens the world” 2022. This special issue is on sale in kiosks or on the Internet by visiting the website of our shop.
We have seen, especially during the pandemic, an increase in criminal activity online – for example, around new narcotic substances. Governments must therefore be able to identify new chemicals quickly, from a scientific point of view, and have the means to communicate with their partners, so that other countries know what is coming. At UNODC, we are constantly trying to work with governments to build the tools and levels of knowledge to enable them to adapt.
In Europe alone, national legislation against organized crime is very heterogeneous. Would harmonization be a relevant way to fight against mafias?
Things don’t have to be harmonized until they all become the same. Nevertheless, we want to ensure that states criminalize the same behaviors. This is fundamental when trying to build judicial cooperation, especially when one country asks another to obtain evidence enabling it to tackle the crime in its country, but the evidence is in the other country. Treaties establish certain procedures for mutual legal assistance, extradition operations, judicial cooperation… These procedures work if countries criminalize the same behaviours.
“One thing is certain: the drug market is the most lucrative trade for international organized crime. He is huge “
This must be translated into legislation, but this is not the only tool. From there, the most important part is to adopt these measures, to ensure that they are well implemented and enforced. We provide legal advice, we have model laws (model laws) that we promote in a number of regions. We continuously review draft legislation around the world, provide expert advice, and foster international cooperation. It is a critical part of our work to fight organized crime.
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