Transnational Organized Crime: U.S. Policy, Programs, and Related Issues (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
Jan. 8, 2004 |
| Report Number |
RL32190 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Tarana Zaheed, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
Transnational organized crime presents a serious threat to U.S. national security and global
stability.
Organized criminal groups have benefitted from the demise of legal structures following the collapse
of the Soviet Union and in many failed states. They have been able to expand their networks across
national borders. Globalism serves these groups which increasingly rely upon advanced technology
and the global financial system to accumulate wealth from their illicit activities. These groups
engage in a wide array of criminal activities across national borders that include the illicit drugs
trade, trafficking in persons, alien smuggling, and financial crimes. These transnational crimes
directly threaten American communities and businesses.
Experts also warn of the potential opportunistic links between such criminal groups and
terrorist
organizations. The recent decrease in state-sponsorship and support may lead terrorist groups to
increasingly rely upon transnational criminals for finances, weapons, or other forms of assistance.
Such alliances between terrorist and criminal groups could create additional threats to American
interests.
This report presents the direct and potential threats which emerge from transnational organized
crime and describes the U.S. government response to combat global crime. It outlines the overall
framework of U.S. policies formulated to combat transnational organized crime. Both the Clinton
and Bush Administration's response to transnational crime is framed within the 1998 International
Crime Control Strategy. Federal agencies have formulated additional national strategies related to
specific dimensions of transnational crime. Congress has also directed U.S. policy and programs,
and provided law enforcement agencies with several tools to combat transnational organized crime
Key federal law enforcement and intelligence programs that focus broadly on transnational
crime are discussed. Some of these programs are designed to monitor, investigate and prosecute
transnational organized criminals. Other programs facilitate bilateral and multilateral law
enforcement cooperation from foreign government institutions. Moreover, some programs seek to
provide law enforcement training and assistance to foreign governments. Federal agencies leading
the U.S. government's efforts to combat transnational organized crime include the Departments of
Defense, Justice, Treasury, Homeland Security, and State. Finally, it examines potential
Congressional concerns related to U.S. efforts to combat transnational crime as organized criminal
groups accumulate wealth and leverage affecting American interests. The report will not be updated.
