When people think about organized crime, the majority of them go straight to the stories seen and heard on television about the mafia. The truth of the matter is organized crime reaches far beyond any mafia and the threat is very real and very dangerous. What follows will explore the issues of organized crime, the legal limitations faced when combating organized crime, and suggestions on ways to take more control over organized crime by evaluating the effectiveness of major federal laws aiding in the combat of organized crimes.
Organized Crime
Organized crime groups have been around since the beginning. These groups are highly organized and efficient in what they do. Such criminal organizations are responsible for human trafficking and the illegal entry of residents from Mexico. The Mexican border sees violent criminal enterprises with organized crime syndicates smugglings drugs, humans, weapons, and cash, (The Dark Side of Illegal Immigration-Impacts of Illegal Immigration: Crime). Such organizations are the reason there is violence and illegal contraband and drugs available in cities across the nation. Organized crime is widespread criminal activity that occurs within a centrally controlled formal structure, (thefreedicitonary.com).
Criminals have a tendency to associate with other criminals. Some criminal’s desire wealth, others desire power, and still others desire to obtain both. Having these common goals is what makes criminal organizations so successful. They work together in a strict organized fashion to reach a common goal, providing each other with protection and a promise of success.
Problems Caused by Organized Crime
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Racketeering is a form of organized crime. This kind of criminal activity includes bribery, extortion, embezzlement, fraud, counterfeiting, theft, obstruction of justice, and money...