A response to: Morselli, C., Turcotte, M. and Tenti, V. (2010) The Mobility of Criminal Groups

Abstract

The degree to which organised crime groups extend their activities and influence into new geographic areas is a major concern for law enforcement officials and policymakers worldwide. Over the past decade, a number of researchers have conducted specialised studies and reviews of this phenomenon, and have offered a number of explanations of its underlying drivers. Recently, Morselli, Turcotte, and Tenti were commissioned by Public Safety Canada to prepare a report on this topic, The Mobility of Criminal Groups, which reviewed several case studies and prior commentaries and, based on an inductive (evidence-based) process, offered a conceptual framework for understanding how organised crime groups come to establish themselves (successfully or unsuccessfully) in places outside their area of origin. The current discussion article consists of a written response to Morselli et al.’s report, reflecting on their position in light of recent research on Vietnamese organised crime in the United Kingdom.