Organized Criminal Groups Research Articles

Evaluation of Human Trafficking and its Causes in Kosovo

The occurrence of human trafficking is a very harmful and disturbing crime for Kosovo and the countries of the region, which are encountering this criminal issue that seriously attacks human rights. Human trafficking is often associated with organized criminal groups that operate outside the state borders of Kosovo, making the fight against this occurrence much more challenging for the mechanisms that combat this type of crime. This research paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of human trafficking in Kosovo, evaluating the contributing factors and assessing the effectiveness of existing legal frameworks. It also offers actionable recommendations for enhancing collaboration among key stakeholders. The method used in this research is a literature review, systematically analyzing academic literature, reports, and relevant documents on human trafficking. The findings indicate that human trafficking severely deteriorates the socio-economic conditions in Kosovo and reinforces organized crime networks. Therefore, close cooperation at both regional and international levels is essential for effectively addressing this criminality, which remains a pressing concern in Kosovo and beyond.

Veto players and gun violence in drug markets: Analysis based on field observations of eighty drug-selling spots on the Westside of Chicago

PurposeThe study analyzed whether the number of drug-selling spots has an impact on shooting incidents in drug markets on the Westside of Chicago. MethodsA theory of gun violence in drug markets was developed by building on veto players theory, and tested using a series of two-way fixed-effects Poisson regressions. The main variable of interest—drug-selling spots—comes from an original dataset comprised of eighty drug-selling spots identified through covert field observations. Controls included: the average age and average number of drug spot workers at the drug-selling spots, concentrated disadvantage, population, police anti-drug operations, and drug demand. FindingsIn support of the theory, the main statistical models and robustness tests consistently found that the larger the number of drug-selling spots in a given drug market, the higher the number of shooting incidents over time. Only the control for population remained consistently statistically significant across model specifications. ConclusionThe study contributes to the drug market literature by offering a novel theory of drug market violence, as well as a replicable way for researchers to observe drug market activity without disturbing the natural behaviors of market participants. The operationalization of drug-selling spots as sub-factions of organized criminal groups also provides a novel approach to the study of drug market violence.

Organized Criminal Groups in the Modern World: Theoretical Foundations, Structure and Functional Aspects

This article is a comprehensive study of organized criminal groups (OCGs) in the modern world, covering the theoretical foundations of their study, structural characteristics and functional aspects of their activities. The paper traces the evolution of the concept of organized crime in criminological science, analyzes modern approaches to the definition and classification of OCGs, and considers the legal aspects of their definition at the international and national levels. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the structural characteristics of modern organized crime groups, including traditional hierarchical models, network structures, hybrid forms of organization, as well as new forms such as cluster and project organization. The study shows a trend away from rigid hierarchical structures towards more flexible and adaptive forms of organization, which allows OCGs to effectively resist law enforcement pressure and adapt to changing conditions. The article also examines key functional aspects of organized crime groups, including their role in the shadow economy, establishment of corruption links, transnational activities, use of modern technologies and adaptation to countermeasures. The impact of globalization and technological progress on the evolution of OCG forms and methods of operation is highlighted. The study demonstrates the need for an interdisciplinary approach to the study of organized crime, taking into account the complexity and dynamism of this phenomenon. The work contributes to the understanding of current trends in the development of organized crime and can serve as a basis for the development of effective strategies to counter organized crime.

Тактические особенности использования одорологической биодетекции в целях повышения информативности процесса расследования преступлений в сфере незаконного оборота наркотиков

Purpose: based on the analysis of the current state of the use of such bio-detectors as search dogs in the police department, to establish the need to develop tactical solutions aimed at fixing the facts of the signaling behavior of search dogs during investigative actions (searches) on crimes in the field of drug trafficking to increase the information content of the investigation process. Methodology: the methodological basis of the work is presented by such methods as description, analysis, historical method, comparative legal analysis. Conclusion: fixing the fact of detecting odorous traces of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances that remain in places where narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances were stored by criminals earlier, but were moved, for subsequent use in the investigation when establishing "virtual" episodes of criminal activity. Scientific and practical significance: improvement of tactical techniques, procedural consolidation of "virtual" episodes, providing for the fixation and detailed description in the protocol of the investigative action of information about places where narcotic drugs could previously be in order to increase the information content of the investigation process of crimes in the field of drug trafficking. The fixation of these circumstances in conjunction with other sources of information will allow to objectify information about the duration and scope of criminal activity of the organized criminal group (C).

Организационная структура преступной деятельности по сбыту наркотических средств и психотропных веществ бесконтактным способом

The article is devoted to the study of the organizational structure of criminal activity in the sale of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in a noncontact manner. It is indicated that the introduction of information and telecommunication technologies into the drug trade gives criminals a number of advantages over those who oppose them. This ensures a high degree of anonymity for both drug purchasers and those involved in their sale through the introduction of various programs, instant messengers, etc. It is stated that against the backdrop of the continuing growth of crimes related to the sale of prohibited substances using information technology, law enforcement agencies are unable to radically influence the current criminal situation in this area, since they work using old familiar methods. The author's view of this problem is substantiated taking into account the drug situation in the country. Purpose: to study the problem of the organizational structure of criminal activity for the sale of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in a noncontact manner in order to counter the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Research methods: the basis was a dialectical method of understanding the organizational structure of criminal activity in the sale of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in a non-contact manner from the standpoint of scientific research and the practice of law enforcement agencies. The authors identified signs characteristic of organized criminal groups involved in the contactless sale of drugs. The need for an integrated approach to solving the problem is outlined. Conclusions: the feasibility of studying the organizational structure of criminal activity in the contactless sale of drugs is proved, as well as the need for adequate counteraction from law enforcement agencies, the need to develop a methodology for identifying and investigating the illegal sale of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The scientific and practical significance of the study lies in the substantiation of the study of the organizational structure of criminal activity in the contactless sale of drugs, as well as the adoption of comprehensive measures to combat the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

The debate on the interaction of authorized units in the investigation of transnational crimes: a critical review

The article is devoted to the study of the essence of interaction between authorized entities in the investigation of criminal offenses committed by transnational organized criminal groups. The authors focus on the fact that this type of cooperation has always caused scientific discussions and practical differences. The methodological basis for the research is a set of general and specific methods and techniques of scientific knowledge: dialectical, monographic, logical and semantic, structural and functional, grouping, formal and legal documentary analysis, system and structural, modelling. It is stated that all scholars defined interaction in view of the existing system of law enforcement agencies and their inherent functions. At the same time, the subject of interaction is always specific, and full interaction occurs when the subject with managerial authority treats the hierarchically subordinate entity as a complete entity without ignoring its subjective features in the process of their common activity. The importance of cooperation between international law enforcement and police organizations, for coordinating efforts to combat crimes of a transnational nature was highlighted. The authors’ concept of law enforcement cooperation during the investigation of crimes committed by transnational organized criminal groups is presented.

Separate problems of detecting the illegal sale of narcotics

The scientific article examines issues related to identifying the problems of detecting the illegal sale of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues and precursors. A number of problems related to the detection by law enforcement officers of the illegal sale of narcotic drugs have been clarified and outlined. A number of means and measures that organized criminal groups use for the possibility of illegal sale of narcotic drugs have also been established, and they have been considered.
 It has been established that drug criminals constantly improve the methods of illegal sale of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues and precursors, using new means and tools. This, in turn, gives rise to problems of detecting illegal drug sales.
 An inseparable part of modern organized criminal groups involved in the illegal sale of narcotic drugs is the conspiracy of illegal activities, the use of various mechanisms to ensure against direct contact with buyer during their transfer. The members of some criminal groups do not know the members of other criminal groups, but contact only those with whom they work continuously. Such organized criminal groups have an extensive and complex structure with a strict division of roles, high discipline, and hierarchy. Conspiracy, high mobility, the availability of means of communication, a significant level of organization, as well as establishing cooperation and reducing competition between other criminal groups complicates the possibilities of detecting narcotics during illegal transportation.
 It was found that a number of problems in detecting the illegal distribution of narcotic drugs depend not only on the constant ingenuity and improvement of the criminal activity of criminals, but also on the continuous updating of the knowledge of law enforcement officers about the peculiarities of such activity and their professionalism. And therefore consideration of this problem is a necessary condition for effective detection of illegal sale of narcotics.

International practice of preventing illegal drug trafficking

The scientific article examines issues related to the international practice of preventing the illegal circulation of narcotic drugs. Studying this topic, it was found that currently a significant number of organized criminal groups involved in the illegal circulation of narcotic drugs are international. Raw materials for the production of drugs can be grown in one country, processed in another, transported in transit through a third, and settled in a fourth.Even members of such criminal groups or organizations may have different origins and nationalities, and may speak different languages. That is why the investigation of such crimes becomes much more complicated. It was established that with close and coordinated interaction of the relevant law enforcement agencies of different states, it is most expedient to detain the entire criminal group or organization, and not just a small part of it, which in itself would not be able to stop its criminal activity, and therefore protect the population from the negative influence of narcotics means. It was found out that it is necessary to carefully monitor the state of illegal drug trafficking in neighboring states, as the distribution of narcotic substances and precursors in Ukraine may depend on it, and to take appropriate measures to combat such crimes. We also agree with the opinion of the United Nations, which was published in the World Drug Report 2023, that corruption and drug trafficking are related, mutually reinforcing and complementary crimes. It was established that international experience must be adapted to the specifics of an individual country.External factors affecting the drug market in Ukraine were outlined (war, internally displaced persons, the state of combating illegal drug trafficking in neighboring countries, interaction with foreign law enforcement agencies to prevent illegal drug trafficking). Statistics presented in the United Nations World Drug Report 2023 have been studied and highlighted. Especially vulnerable groups of people for drug addiction have been singled out.

DETERMINANTS AND PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE OPIATE ECONOMY IN AFGHANISTAN

Drug production and trafficking, and the related development of criminal groups, are among the most serious problems of the modern world. Issues related to the drug business appear when the institutions and the economic and social systems of the state disintegrate. An example of this is Afghanistan, which has recently become the world’s largest producer of opiates. The growing production of opiates has had negative consequences for Afghan society, causing various social problems, and for the international community, strengthening organized criminal groups involved in drug trafficking around the world. The aim of this study is to look for the most important factors causing the rapid increase in opiate cultivation in Afghanistan, and to assess how the Taliban’s return to power will affect the drug business. The study was carried out through an analysis of available scientific literature, including statistical studies, as well as various compilation documents.

Criminological Aspects of the Motivation of Individuals Belonging to Organized Criminal Groups of an Extremist Nature

The article is devoted to the study of criminological aspects of the motivation of persons joining organized criminal groups of an extremist nature. The author of the study analyzes various factors that may contribute to involvement in criminal groups and their illegal activities in such groups, the motives for their participation in extremist activities. The article examines the psychological, social and ideological factors that influence the formation and support of the motivation of participants in organized criminal groups with an extremist nature. Examples of interactions between various individual and social factors that contribute to the formation of radical beliefs and readiness to commit extremist acts are given. In addition, the features of the motivation of individuals belonging to organized extremist groups are analyzed with the aim of their classification. The author of the article comes to the conclusion that understanding the motivation of individuals who join extremist organized criminal groups is important for developing appropriate tactics and methods for preventing and suppressing extremist activities. Overall, the article represents a comprehensive study of the criminological aspects of the motivation of individuals belonging to organized criminal groups with an extremist nature, and is an important contribution to the field of criminology and criminal activity.

О мерах по противодействию деятельности организованных преступных групп в сфере незаконного оборота наркотиков в новых условиях

Purpose of the study: analysis of measures and directions of countering the activities of organized criminal groups in the field of drug trafficking in new conditions. Research methods: logical, system-structural, statistical methods of scientific knowledge of social processes and phenomena are used in the work. Conclusions: neutralization of the activities of organized criminal groups operating in the field of drug trafficking is one of the strategic directions of international and national anti-drug policy. Of particular concern are the problems associated with the increase in the volume of illicit drug production in areas that are not sufficiently controlled by the authorities, as well as in zones of armed conflict. The Russian Federation actively uses international platforms to promote national approaches in the field of international drug control. However, international cooperation in this area has recently become highly politicized, which has a negative impact on the effectiveness of combating illicit organized drug trafficking, while there is an active merging of the drug business and terrorism. In this regard, the criminal drug market and organized criminal activities in the field of drug trafficking require close attention. Scientific and practical significance: the analysis presented in the article allows us to adequately assess the current situation and develop regulatory and organizational measures to counter organized criminal activity in the field of drug trafficking in new conditions.

Causes and consequences of local antı-terrorısm measures ın the Karabakh economıc zone of Azerbaıjan

Purpose: is to analyze the causes of asymmetry between criminal ethnic demands and national state interests, the potential of internationalization and effective preventive measures.
 Method: In this research work, the author preferred two methods: structural-functional and processual-dynamic. The structural-functional method clarifies the main elements of interaction in conflict conditions and the specific roles of each of them. Components related to the conflict: subject, causes, stages, participants, regulation, etc. of the conflict. constitutes the structure of the conflict. The role of those structural elements is considered their function.
 Findings: The fight against dangerous and infectious diseases such as ethnic-separatism is considered to be a very effective way both from the point of view of security and from the point of view of not deepening the crisis of the international legal institution.
 Theoretical implications: Ethno-separatism has become the object of big geopolitical games and mercantilist interests of organized criminal groups in the modern world. It is impossible to treat it as an internal problem of the state. The trend of ethnic-separatism becoming a hybridized threat is taking shape.
 Practical implications: Practitioners should conclude from this article that dual approaches to the dangerous consequences of ethno-separatism such as secession, dangerous chaotic scenarios in polyethnic regions and military interventions under the rights of national minorities are inadmissible. Ethno-separatism cannot promote the principle of indivisibility of security.
 Value: The main innovation in this article is to reveal the association of Armenian ethnic-separatism with destructive and dangerous military-political plans that are against international law. It is justified that the one-day local anti-terrorist measures carried out by Azerbaijan serve to strengthen national sovereignty and international law, to cleanse the region of criminal elements and to ensure the security of international oil and gas projects connecting the South Caucasus with Europe.
 Research limitations: One-day local anti-terror measures against Armenian ethnic-separatism within the framework of international laws can be a retrospective scenario or regulation model for long-term unresolved conflicts in poly-ethnic regions.
 Paper type: theoretical.

Criminal group as a special form of complicity in a crime

Relevance. The relevance of this study is due to the high level of social danger and threat to public life and many areas of the state. Purpose. The purpose of the work is a detailed analysis and definition of the activities of organized criminal groups. Methodology. Among the methodological approaches used, it should be noted the theoretical methodological approach, the functional methodological approach, the formal legal methodological approach, the deduction method, the synthesis method and others. Results. It was noted that the theory of criminal law contains a certain range of problems that are associated with criminal liability for the creation and participation in organized criminal groups. To conduct a more detailed analysis of the definition of the concept of organizational criminal groups, several approaches from the theory of criminal law were studied, which made it possible to identify the main features and principles of the formation of this kind of illegal activity. The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime was analyzed as a study of a criminal group through the prism of studying this concept at the international level. It was noted that sustainability is one of the main features that characterizes organizational criminal activity. Using a system-structural analysis, the main characteristics of criminal communities and organizational criminal groups were identified and summarized. The Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan was analyzed and the main legal collisions related to the definition of the concept of a criminal group and ways to counter this illegal organizational activity were noted; in this regard, certain recommendations have been offered. Conclusions. The practical value of the results obtained provides an opportunity to highlight additions to the national legislation for a more accurate definition of the concept under study and increase the effectiveness of counteracting it.

НЕКОТОРЫЕ ПРОБЛЕМЫ РАССЛЕДОВАНИЯ ПРЕСТУПЛЕНИЙ ОРГАНИЗОВАННЫХ ПРЕСТУПНЫХ ГРУПП, СФОРМИРОВАННЫХ НА ЭТНИЧЕСКОЙ ОСНОВЕ

The article is devoted to the criminalistic problems of investigating crimes committed by organized criminal groups formed on an ethnic basis. The causes and features of the crisis in the sphere of public relations related to the activities of organized ethnic crime are analyzed. The features of the investigation of this category of crimes are investigated. The special importance of overcoming the opposition to the investigation by ethnic organized criminal groups is substantiated. Conclusions and suggestions on improving the investigation of crimes committed by organized ethnic groups are formulated

Particularities of investigation of crimes committed by organized criminal groups

Organized crime as an extremely socially dangerous phenomenon is often referred to rightly as „improved” crime. Needless to say, crimes committed by organized criminal groups have always manifested themselves in a much more advanced degree of social danger than deeds committed, in particular, by individuals. In the first case, in the criminal activity are involved several persons united by a single criminal purpose, prepared for its realization, and a substantial damage is caused, which determines certain specific features of the mechanism of criminal activity and, respectively, defines the methodological particularities of investigation of such deeds. The elaboration of a secure methodological and forensic mechanism for investigating the criminal deeds committed by organized criminal groups is a possible thing to achieve over several years. In the content of this article, an attempt was made to systematize the factual and doctrinal material regarding the methods of identification, discovery and investigation of the organized criminal activity and the elaboration, based on them, of the corresponding forensic recommendations. However, the study does not aim to examine the full range of current issues in the field of investigation of the deeds committed by organized criminal groups, reflecting only some issues related to streamlining the investigation of these categories of crimes.

Challenges in creating humane and equitable policing: A focus on the Global South

AbstractResearch SummaryPolice brutality is a widespread phenomenon around the world. Particularly gruesome human rights abuses in the course of policing take place in Latin America, the world's most violent region outside war zones. Democratic institutions such as competitive elections, checks and balances, and judicial independence are insufficient to prevent police from abusing their power. What factors explain that police engage in abusive behaviors, including illegal arrest, the fabrication of evidence, the use of torture to extract confessions, and the excessive use of force causing injury or death? How can societies restrain these abusive behaviors and subject police to the rule of law? Police behavior is shaped by a combination of institutional, societal, political, organizational, and individual factors. Inquisitorial criminal justice institutions, inherited from the colonial past, have persisted in Latin America until very recently. This meant that democracies in the region were born with weak due process protections that have enabled state authorities and police to abuse their coercive powers as they investigate and prosecute crimes. Police brutality is further the product of security policies. High crime rates and the presence of highly organized criminal groups have pushed many Latin American governments to adopt militarized security interventions ‐including deploying the armed forces to control crime and militarizing police forces. Populist demands for harsh policies, moreover, generate incentives for politicians to adopt security strategies that violate human rights and which, in the long run, increase violence in society. The most affected groups are the poor, people of color, and those living in impoverished minoritized communities.Policy ImplicationsIt is essential to strengthen due process protections and judicial oversight over police to reduce torture and other forms of police brutality. Police demilitarization and, under some conditions, community‐oriented policing approaches can sharply reduce the use of excessive force causing injury or death. Body‐worn cameras (BWC), moreover, can effectively be used to reduce police abusive behavior —and violence against police officers — even in high violence situations and where toxic police‐community relations prevail. One limitation of this technology is that it gives too much leeway to frontline officers to turn their cameras on. Poor supervision can further undermine police compliance with camera protocols. These problems can be overcome by assigning cameras to supervisors and using more advanced technologies that allow turning cameras on from the main station. Monetary incentives that reward police officers “to kill less” is another effective policy intervention to reduce police violence causing injury or death.

Release from the criminal liabilty for crimes related to criminal influence

The article is devoted to the study of the types of exemption from criminal liability for crimes related to criminal influence provided for by the Criminal Code of Ukraine, as well as the regulation of this issue in the draft of the new Criminal Code of Ukraine. It was found that international acts do not establish the obligation of Ukraine to define in its legislation the cases of exemption of a person from criminal liability for committing the specified crimes, but they provide such opportunity. The application of general types of exemption from criminal liability provided for by the Criminal Code of Ukraine for the mentioned crimes is impossible, except for exemption due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. Special types of exemption from criminal liability provided for in the new version of Art. 255 and Art. 255-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, cannot be applied for these crimes either, however, one of the grounds for their application is, in particular, active assistance in the investigation of crimes related to criminal influence. In the draft of the new Criminal Code of Ukraine, developed by the Working Group on the Development of Criminal Law as a part of the Commission on Legal Reform, exemption from criminal liability is not foreseen as a criminal legal remedy in general. However, a literal interpretation of the provisions of the Draft allows considering the provisions of Art. 3.4.2 on exemption from punishment as a partial exemption from criminal liability. At the same time, in relation to a person exempted from punishment, a guilty verdict is issued by court, and he is considered to be on trial. Based on the conducted research, proposals were developed regarding the possible improvement of the grounds for the application of special types of exemption from criminal liability, provided for in Part 6 of Art. 255 and Part 2 of Art. 255-2 of the current Criminal Code of Ukraine, as well as additions to Art. 3.4.2 of the draft of the new Criminal Code of Ukraine as a basis for the application of the exemption of a person from punishment for participating in a gathering of representatives of organized criminal groups.

Przestępstwo zmowy (conspiracy) w amerykańskim prawie karnym a przestępstwo udziału w zorganizowanej grupie przestępczej lub związku przestępczym

The article is based on the opinion of an expert in American criminal law drawn up in the course of proceedings before a Polish district court. In these proceedings, one of the defendants was charged, among other things, with participation in an organized criminal group whose purpose was to export from Poland without the required regulatory authorization and to illegally trade after importing into the United States of America a psychotropic substance in significant quantities in the form of ecstasy tablets containing the substance MDMA, i.e. an act under Article 258 § 1 of the Criminal Code. At the same time, in the course of the proceedings, information was obtained that the defendant had already been convicted in the territory of the United States of America for a crime described as “conspiracy to distribute and possession of MDMA for the purpose of distribution”, i.e. an act criminalized by Article 21 the United States Code § 846. In connection with the above, it became necessary in the proceedings to determine whether there was an identity in subject matter between the crime charged against the defendant in the proceedings before the Polish court and the crime for which he had been convicted in the territory of the United States. The purpose of the article is to analyze whether the crime of participation in an organized criminal group described in Polish law in Article 258 § 1 of the Criminal Code can be understood as the crime of conspiracy to commit a crime criminalized in American federal law under 21 U.S.C. § 846.

To the issue of combating the theft of Ukraine’s natural resources by organized criminal groups

To the issue of combating the theft of Ukraine’s natural resources by organized criminal groups

Возможности использования данных о лице, совершившем преступление, при расследовании торговли людьми

In contemporary society, the fight against human trafficking has become a significant global issue. Human trafficking is considered a highly latent crime, often perpetrated by organized transnational criminal groups (organizations). Consequently, law enforcement agencies face certain challenges in detecting, investigating, and preventing these crimes. Addressing these issues can be facilitated by the competent use of criminalistic characteristics by law enforcement personnel. The aim of this study is to analyze the practice of investigating criminal cases of human trafficking and to examine the element of the criminalistic characteristics of human trafficking, specifically the data on the individual who committed the crime. Methodological Basis: To achieve this goal, the author employed the dialectical method, as well as a range of general scientific and special methods of scientific cognition (analysis, comparison, analogy, systemic method, etc.). Results: Based on the analysis of empirical material (statistics from the Judicial Department of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation over the past five years, as well as the practice of investigating criminal cases in the Russian Federation under Article 127.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), the author attempts to construct a descriptive model of the individual committing human trafficking. Conclusions: In the Russian Federation, the detection, solvability, and prosecution of human trafficking crimes committed by organized criminal groups remain at a relatively low level. It appears that improving the specific methodology for investigating human trafficking, particularly by constructing a criminalistic model of the individual committing the crime as stipulated in Article 127.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, may help address this problem.