LECTURE 4 Flashcards
(25 cards)
Common patterns among high-threat OCG networks
(1) Violence as an essential part of strategy, (2) Infiltrating law enforcement, security, government agencies and the private sector (3) Extensive criminal associations with other OCGs (4) having an interprovincial and international scope
OMGs (Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs)
pose a threat to public through the use of violence, firearm possession and drug/human trafficking. Their violence has been extensive and public, stemming from territorial control and competition over drug trade
The Power of the Patch
OMGs show their “colours” in certain situations to intimidate other criminal groups and individuals, to maintain a position in the drug trade and for control within specific industry sectors
Does the Mafia Commit acts of Violence?
Several violent events have occured, but they tend to insulate themselves by employing proxies (often members of street gangs) to commit violence on their behalf
Street Gangs
They use social media to encourage violence and are involved in most OCG related public shootings and open acts of violence
Motivating Factors of Street Gangs
(1) Gang rivalries
(2) Competition over drug lines and territory
(3) Internal conflict
(4) Interpersonal disputes
(5) Monetary opportunities
OGC and the Opioid Crisis
With an increase in OGC involvement in the opioid crisis, the introduction of higher risk opioids have emerged
OCG and Drugs
Many are involved in some aspect of the Canadian illicit drug trade, primarily distribution
Public Sector Infiltration
Not many OCGs have access or links to the public sector, it is very difficult to infiltrate the public sector. Access to agents possessing strategic positions within the public service can also facilitate criminal activities - corrupting subjects in the political world and private companies to help facilitate personal activities and expand network to insulate themselves from the law
Private Sectors
Many OCGs exploit private sector businesses to facilitate criminal activities. Often use cash based businesses (restaurants, transportation, construction) so they can combine legit and illegitimate monies
Soil Dumping
OCGs are believed to be involved in industries linked to environmental interests and natural resources and exploit some of these at the expense of local ecology. This type of business can be exploited for significant profit by avoiding specific costly laws inherent to the
process, such as soil dumping: disposing of contaminated soil on a property not approved for or without permission
Non-Traditional OCGs
Cyber Criminals and those involved in money laundering also contribute to increased organized crime threats
Facilitators
They are helpers (e.g., cocaine importer and distributer)
Money Laundering
Disguises proceeds of crime commonly uses cryptocurrencies to pay for mass-marketing fraud and dark web marketplace purchases
Fraud
Collect sensitive personal information in addition to money. Financial crime, often seen as a “white collar crime is committed by competent criminals and interconnected OCG.
Geographical Scope
Many OCGs are involved in multi-jurisdictional criminal activities - OMGs maintain the broadest international scope
OCG Networking
OMGs collaborate with other OCGs importing cocaine and other drugs, OMGs are involved in supplying and distributing synthetic drugs. They are also closely associated with street gangs and leverage these associations to maintain/enforce their drug trafficking territories and outsource violence. OMGs often control importation networks and involve street gangs as a part of their distribution channels
Financial Resources
(1) Extortion
(2) Corruption
(3) Public contacts (e.g., construction industry)
(4) Drug Trafficking
Why do OCGs Consider Themselves as Service Providers?
Criminals rationalize their participation in their activities by describing themselves as service providers who only make available products to consensual parties who actively demand them
Human Capital
The skills, knowledge, and experience possessed by individuals or groups in organizational structures measured in terms of their asset value or liability to them
Social Capital
Network of relationships among people who work in a particular organization enabling it to function efficiently through the specific kinds of interpersonal relations that people must establish to guarantee smooth functioning
Bonding
Social capital created within a group with shared interests and goals
Bridging
Creating social capital across groups or entities outside the leading group
Corruption
Creating links outside of the corporation to ensure financial success - In OCGs one of the most important tactics they employ to ensure that their sources of income remain stable and undetected - corruption (e.g., bribery, blackmail)
