Organized Crime

Question 1

1.) How does the criminality of persons in Organized Crime differ from that of conventional criminals?

Answer 1

The organization allows individuals to commit crimes of a different variety and on a larger scale than their less organized colleagues. (smuggling, racketeering, etc). Organizations are more effective in criminal negotiations and possess networks that facilitate cooperation that would otherwise not occur.

Question 2

2.) What are the attributes of a bureaucracy?

Answer 2

• Complex hierarchy
• An extensive division of labor
• Positions assigned on the basis of skill
• Responsibilities carried out in an impersonal manner
• Extensive written rules and regulations
• Communication from the top of the hierarchy to persons on the bottom, usually in written (memo) form.

Question 3

3.) What are the eight attributes of Organized Crime?

Answer 3

• Has no political goals
• Is hierarchical
• Has a limited or exclusive membership
• Constitutes a unique subculture
• Perpetuates itself
• Exhibits a willingness to use illegal violence
• Is monopolistic
• Is governed by explicit rules and regulations

Question 4

5.) How does the patron-client model of Organized Crime differ from the bureaucratic model?

Answer 4

The patron-client model is decentralized whereas the bureaucratic model is heavily centralized. Taking out the head of a bureaucratic organization can be fatal to the group, where a high ranking patron can be replaced. Bureaucratic is more organized, patron is more concerned with recruiting from pre-existing relationships.

Question 5

8.) How does an organizational affiliation enhance the ability of a criminal to engage in illegal activities?

Answer 5

Provides the criminal with exclusive connections, and the reputation of the group. Individuals and organizations may be more inclined to cooperate with an individual partnered with a situated organization. Provides access to new and larger criminal ventures.

Question 6

1.) How does the definition of Organized Crime held by academics and researchers differ from that used by the government?

Answer 6

Academic definitions are developed through empirical studies and research, whereas government definitions are created through social and media influence, and are used for prosecutorial purposes.

Question 7

2.) In Canada, two pieces of legislation have helped to provide a legal definition of a criminal organization: Bill C-95 and Bill C-24. Describe the key differences between these pieces of legislation. What do you see as the difficulties with using this legislation, in the context of a prosecution, to assist the court in determining a finding of a criminal organization?

Answer 7

Bill C-95 added a new offence being: participation in a criminal organization, which specifically targets membership in an organized group. Bill C-24 altered the definition to provide greater tools to prosecutors and police by broadening the definition of an organized crime group. Bill C-24 makes it so the prosecution does not have to prove that the organization facilitated or committed an indictable offence, nor that an individual was aware of the crime being facilitated by the organization, this could be seen as some what unfair. Simply participating in organized crime activity for the purpose of enhancing that organizations ability makes an individual vulnerable. BillC-95 is too narrow in scope to effectively pursue organized groups from a prosecutorial standpoint.

Question 8

4.) Do any of the various pieces of Organized Crime legislation address the root causes of why people become involved in Organized Crime?

Answer 8

No, organized crime legislature is reactive, meaning it does not seek to prevent the action from occurring, but only reacts to said action. Does not solve the root problem.

Question 9

1.) How does Robert Merton’s theory of anomie explain Organized Crime?

Answer 9

Organized Crime is a normal response to pressure exerted on certain persons by social structure. If an individual does not possess the means to achieve success, they will use whatever means necessary, illegal or legal, to obtain their desires. May appear as the only avenue to success given the conditions of some less fortunate individuals.

Question 10

2.) What is the connection between differential association and Organized Crime?

Answer 10

People naturally learn from their surroundings. Subcultures of organized crime can facilitate indoctrination of individuals who are born into a similar situation. Through differential association, some persons organized their behaviors according to the norms of a criminal group to which they belong or identify with. In areas with a high rate of organized crime, people are more likely to become exposed to this kind of culture. Inadequate familial socialization can contribute to gang membership.

Question 11

3.) How does cultural transmission explain the continuity of Organized Crime in certain neighborhoods?

Answer 11

Such neighborhoods are characterized by attitudes and values that are conductive to delinquency and crime.

Question 12

4.) How does social disorganization explain why Organized Crime is more likely in certain neighborhoods?

Answer 12

A breakdown in social control can leads to an increase of deviant norms in certain communities. Financial strain can help propel a neighborhood into social disorganization. These norms then take root in areas that are conductive to criminal activity, which, in turn, creates a criminal subculture. A criminal subculture is used to integrate individuals born in similar conditions into the culture, thus into crime. Because these areas have a situated history and sub-culture of crime, they then become common places for organized crime.

Question 13

5.) What do Cloward and Ohlin (differential opportunity) say about Organized Crime?

Answer 13

Economic strain forces individuals into areas wherein they experience further strain. Because of this, access to success through criminal means is more available, thus encouraging membership to organized crime groups. Legitimate opportunity is not equally distributed throughout society, where illegitimate opportunity is.

Question 14

6.) What qualities of the delinquent subculture correlate well with the prerequisites of organized crime?

Answer 14

Social dysfunction can be a result of a high concentration of delinquents. Delinquents are nonconventional, meaning that they go against the surrounding norms. Because of the social dysfunction and erosion of social acceptable values caused by the abandonment of conventional norms, it is a good environment for organized crime to develop. Because legitimate means for success seem impossible, delinquents seek the easily obtainable reward through drugs, status through violence, and criminal pursuits.

Question 15

8.) How does social control theory explain the emergence of Organized Crime?

Answer 15

The absence of external and internal restraints (punishment, shame, ostracized), and more risk than reward prevent individuals from committing crimes. When these are lessened, people become more willing to participate in organized crime because the only form of social deterrence is imprisonment, and crime is profitable when weighed against the risk (especially in poor areas). Criminal actions are being not prevented by social control.

Question 16

10.) Why did Italians remain in Organized Crime for so long? What factors explain the exit of Italian Americans from Organized Crime?

Answer 16

Italians remained in Organized Crime for so long due to familial bonds, criminal sub-cultures, and success. They are being pushed out by the presence of black and Hispanic communities, and do not maintain as much of a force as they used to have. “paper tiger”, overly reliant on their past reputation. Also being fought by law enforcement.

Question 17

1.) Characteristics of “political machines”?

Answer 17

Politicians who maintain a small following to spread their influence at an intense rate. Not afraid to use immoral tactics to achieve goals, and views the voter as a person living in a specific neighborhood, with specific personal problems and wants. Strong political force with influence in many facets of society. Also considered a patron-client network.

Question 18

9.) How did prohibition stimulate the development of organized crime?

Answer 18

Increased rate of violence, less law enforcement. Instead of being involved with politicians it gave organized crime groups the chance to become involve in a profitable and illegal industry. Made gangs wealthier and gave them more influence. The power structure shifted, with gangs being above the political machine.

Question 19

11.) How did prohibition lead to criminal syndication?

Answer 19

Organized crime groups had to cooperate to move liquor further inland, and into different regions. This was only possible through collaboration with other crime groups who control key areas. Syndication was the result of having to cooperate with each other to distribute the liquor.

Question 20

13.) How did organized crime change with the repeal of prohibition

Answer 20

The end of prohibition resulted in Organized crime groups branching off into other enterprises like drugs, gambling, and prostitution.

Question 21

18.) How does murder, inc. provide an example of interethnic cooperation in organized crime?

Answer 21

Because murder inc proved effective at their work, they were recruited by other ethnic groups. Skillset transcended ethnicity.

Question 22

1.) No single definition of “youth gang” or “street gang” exists because of the lack of a widely used agreed-upon definition within the academic and research community, government, and law enforcement agency. Why is this so?

Answer 22

Street gangs can differ drastically depending on the nature of the group, geographic location, and activities they are involved in. Using a blanket definition to represent all street gangs in Canada can be misleading given the vast diversity of street gangs. Some even suggest that several definitions may be needed to account for these differences to accurately describe some groups. Criminal code focuses on prosecutorial criteria for criminal organization, not street gangs. Does not directly target street gangs.

Question 23

2.) Despite differing concepts and the problems in determining a definition of a gang, the CISC has developed a six-point criteria list for addressing the matter of gang membership. From a police investigative perspective, what would be the pitfalls in using these criteria? What would be the positive aspects that might assist in persecution?

Answer 23

Some positives include law enforcement having very clear guidelines to operate by. Makes it easier to identify, and determine if someone is qualified for gang membership. This is important given the lack of a widely used definition, gives the officers rules to work by. If an individual is involved in gang-motivated crime and maintains one other criteria, are they no longer considered a gang member? If law enforcement can only prove two, they may have to let an obvious gang member go due to these criteria.

Question 24

1.) According to the assigned reading by Paoli, what contributed to the birth of the Mafia? Aside from the structure, what mainstays help to define the Mafia as an organization?

Answer 24

Familial bonds, ethnicity, and discrimination help birth the Mafia, and help define the mafia as an organization.

Question 25

3.) The Mafia’s “Ten commandments” outline a code of behaviour to which members should adhere. Why?

Answer 25

These act as rules for the organization so unnecessary internal and external conflicts can be avoided. General rules on how to behave generate a respect for their organization and leaders. Protects the organization itself as well. Self preservation.

Question 26

4.) What is the key difference between the Mafia and other criminal Organizations?

Answer 26

The mafia is the most mature criminal organization and very organized. Built on familial bonds. They will cooperate with other organized crime groups to expand their influence.

Question 27

1.) What is the relationship between cocaine trafficking and politics in Columbia?

Answer 27

Cocaine traffickers look upon political institutions as the ruling elite and question their legitimacy. Civilians are more accommodating to drug trafficking because they doubt the fairness of their government. Government lacks control where the cartels maintained it.

Question 28

6.) What difficulties do police agencies encounter when investigating Hispanic-based crime groups?

Answer 28

Extreme violence and threats to the personal safety of themselves and loved ones. It can be difficult to trace, and eliminate the direct source of the drugs. Because it is an international issue, some issues arise with extradition and working within another countries borders.

Question 29

1.) What different groups make up Russia OC?

Answer 29

The vory, Russian mafiya. A lot of Russian OC originated from gyms. Chechens

Question 30

2.) What is the vory?

Answer 30

A criminal hierarchy of petty criminals which translates to “thieves with a code of honor” which originated in Russian prisons. In modern times, they are becoming more economically driven and organized. Abide by a code.

Question 31

5.) How does organized crime in Russia differ from that in the US?

Answer 31

Organized crime in the US is more concerned with gaining political favor, whereas the Russians exert their influence through violence. Russians are more distrustful of the government thus promoting shadow justice.

Question 32

6.) What is the nature of Russian and Eastern European OC?

Answer 32

Violent and heavily involved in fraud and extortion. No clear distinction between criminal enterprises and government. OC groups typically have direct ties to Oligarchs.

Question 33

8.) What unique challenges does Russian and Eastern European OC pose for law enforcement?

Answer 33

Because of the vast diversity of former soviet union territories, many Russian and eastern European organized crime groups speak various languages, this makes it difficult for law enforcement to collect and investigate such groups.

Question 34

2.) Who are the Yakuza? How are they organized?

Answer 34

The yakuza are a Japanese organized crime group that are descendants from samurai that no longer had a purpose. Hierarchical structure. If a Yakuza achieves enough prestige, they may start their own “family” and become a boss, although they are still subservient to the main group. Can make both centralized and decentralized decisions depending on the circumstances. Also Yakuza are somewhat political.

Question 35

4.) When investigating Asian organized crime groups, why do various law enforcement agencies say it is like “chasing the ghost”?

Answer 35

The language barrier poses several obstacles to law enforcement, as well as fluidity of association.

Question 36

5.) The concept of guanxi a key component of Asian culture. How might this concept complicate a criminal investigation?

Answer 36

Because guanxi encourages close relationships formed by blood or marriage, and favours are taken extremely seriously when requested. If a favor cannot be done by the individual, they are then obligated to find someone who can fulfill the favor. This is followed by a strict code of silence. These complicated personal relationships are hard to law enforcement to work around. Concept of family is key.

Question 37

6.) Why is the concept of “face” important to understand while investigating Asian Organized Crime?

Answer 37

Face is important to understand as it can show disrespectful actions in North American standards while showing composure in Asian. It is important to understand the cultural differences to prevent misinterpret actions or behaviors. Face is essentially the pride of a person.

Question 38

1.) What led to the development of the original OMG?

Answer 38

After WW2 among feelings of hostility and alienation, veterans created an outlet for feelings of freedom and camaraderie through motorcycle clubs.

Question 39

3.) How do the structures of the OMG and American mafia differ regarding their illegal business operations?

Answer 39

OMGs have a structure that separates their criminal and legitimate image, whereas the Italian mob does not. OMGs keep their illegal activities separate, while maintaining a bureaucratic structure

Question 40

8.) List and describe the top biker groups in Canada.

Answer 40

Hells angels, international, largest gang
Rock machine, second deadliest gang in Canada,
The Bandidos, international, second biggest OMG in the world
Outlaws, Forced to keep a low profile in Canada due to law enforcement

Question 41

1.) What is money laundering? How does it occur?

Answer 41

Money laundering is to knowingly engage in a financial transaction with the proceeds of some unlawful activity. Attempt to hide, control, or disguise the proceeds. It occurs by the controller of the proceeds attempts to make it appear as legitimate through complex transactions. Makes the money difficult to trace.

Question 42

2.) What is the purpose of FINTRAC? How does it deal with money laundering?

Answer 42

FINTRAC exists to combat money laundering and it does this through sharing information with law enforcement agencies that can take immediate actions. Conducts internal investigations on potential fraud or laundering then passes the findings to law enforcement.

Question 43

4.) Discuss the significance of the Proceeds of Crime (money laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act

Answer 43

This legislation made it so money laundering crimes were expanded to cover all indictable offences. They also made it so the Canadian government can remove the charitable status of any organization that supports terrorism, and lets the government to seize the assets of said organization.

Question 44

1.) How can harm-reduction initiatives, such as safe injection sites or the distribution of drug paraphernalia affect Canada’s international drug treaty obligations?

Answer 44

According to the UN, Canada’s supervised injection sites are in violation of an international treaty intended to combat international drug trafficking. While the injection sites can be seen as a new an progressive approach to mitigate societal harm, it does not help reduce addiction or prevent drug trafficking. Could hinder Canada’s treaty obligations.

Question 45

5.) Explain the three police approaches to dealing with the drug situation: supply reduction, demand reduction, and harm reduction.

Answer 45

Through enforcement of drug crime, police can reduce the supply of drugs. Targeting labs, or traffickers can aid in this endeavour. Demand reduction includes the rehabilitation of drug users to reduce the need for the substances. This could also include early intervention to prevent youth in troubled situations from abusing drugs. To reduce harm, initiatives like supervised injection sites or advertisements of the government can help spread awareness, and mitigate, or control overall societal harm. Reduces harm to the public.

Question 46

6.) What are designer drugs?

Answer 46

Designer drugs are chemical variations of other substances. These analogs, which produce a similar effect, have since become controlled substances aswell.

Question 47

1.) Describe, and give reasons for, the changing complexity of organized crime.

Answer 47

Organized crime groups are becoming more complex due to the technologies and advanced capabilities they have at their disposal. Various organizations are expanding their operations into areas that can be profitable. This is also making multi-ethnic organizations that develop alliances or memberships based on skills rather than ethnicity. These new capabilities allow organizations to expand into virtual markets, and legitimate businesses. Communication is also being improved.

Question 48

2.) What steps have the Canadian government taken to combat organized crime?

Answer 48

The Canadian government is creating networks of information between various levels of law enforcement to effectively combat organized crime. Because combatting organized crime requires a presence in multiple jurisdiction, cooperation becomes necessary and effective. Canada has also sought to bring an operational perspective to organized crime policies.

Question 49

3.) What various types of harm are inflicted by organized crime activities? What are their distinctions?

Answer 49

Social harm is defined as crime that inflicts negative physical, psychological, or emotional consequences. (assaults, intimidation, homicide)
Economic harm is defined as crime that inflicts negative effects on businesses, communities or governments. Loss of income through theft, fraud, and counterfeiting.
Political harm has negative effects on the political stability of a community, institution, or country. Undermines confidence in government, and contributes to corruption in government. (In Colombia the cartels almost toppled the sitting government)
Indirect harm is defined as the secondary adverse consequences of criminal activities. Indirect harm is demonstrated by the production of chemical drugs. The waste from creating such substances can pose environmental damage.

Question 50

4.) Why do organized crime groups still find Canada an attractive country in which to operate?

Answer 50

Complications arise from Canada’s multi-jurisdictional approach. Legal system is time consuming and expensive, and individuals have protection for their rights. Legitimate enterprises are easily exploited. Immigration trends and the large number of new comers. High amount of traffic that passes through the US Canada border makes screening difficult. Lack of public awareness surrounding OC.