Organized Crime & Criminal Networks

A comprehensive set of flashcards focused on key terms, definitions, and concepts related to organized crime and criminal networks, designed to aid students in their examination preparation.

Organized Crime

Criminal activity committed by groups of individuals who work together in a coordinated manner to achieve shared illicit goals.

Spectrum of Legitimacy

The range of legitimacy that organized crime exists on, overlapping with white-collar crime, political corruption, and corporate crime.

CCC 467.1 (1)

Canada's legal definition of organized crime; requires 3 or more persons and serious offences with a financial benefit.

Serious Offences

Crimes with maximum penalties of 5 years or more.

Temporary Associates

Individuals who are part of a criminal network only as needed, without fixed membership.

Investigative Psychology

A field that examines behavioral patterns and group dynamics to disrupt criminal networks.

Social Network

A structure of connected individuals known as nodes, tied together by relationships.

Social Network Analysis (SNA)

A method for analyzing social relationships in terms of network theory.

Hierarchy

The degree of structured ranking within a group; can vary from rigid to flexible in criminal organizations.

Criminal Organizations

Groups of individuals that work together to engage in criminal activity, often maintaining a level of structure and continuity.

Biker Gangs

A type of organized crime group that often operates as part of larger criminal networks.

White-Collar Crime

Criminal activity that occurs in business or professional settings, often involving deceit for financial gain.

Terrorism

Crimes intended to intimidate a population or government to achieve political or social objectives.

Cash-Based Criminal Markets

Markets that primarily deal in cash transactions, making tracking and enforcement more difficult.

Inter-provincial Crime

Criminal activity that spans across multiple provinces in Canada.

International Links

Connections that organized crime groups maintain with entities in other countries.

Core Members

The key individuals who maintain the central structure of a criminal organization.

Associates

Individuals who work with a criminal group but are not core members.

Temporary Collaborators

Participants in criminal activities who join on a temporary basis.

Facilitators

Individuals who support criminal activities, such as money launderers or corrupt officials.

Financial Crimes

Criminal activities that involve fraud, theft, and other financial manipulation.

Market Diversification

The expansion of criminal activities into various types of crimes beyond traditional ones.

Corruption

The abuse of power by officials for illegitimate private gain.

Communications Patterns

The methods and structures through which members of a criminal organization interact.

Public Sector Infiltration

The penetration of organized crime into government institutions to exert influence or control.

Private Sector Infiltration

The incorporation of organized crime tactics into legitimate business operations.

Cultural Ideologies

Shared values and beliefs among individuals within a criminal network that guide behaviors.

Patterns of Associations

The connections and relationships formed among individuals involved in organized crime.

Drug Market

The segment of organized crime focused on drug-related activities.

Violence Spillover

The impact of organized crime-related violence on the broader community.

Law Enforcement Strategies

Approaches used by investigators to combat or disrupt organized crime activities.

Crossover Crime

Criminal activities that blend elements from organized crime and other criminal sectors.

Criminal Scope

The geographic extent or range of operations of organized crime groups.

Illicit Goods

Products that are illegal to buy, sell, or distribute, often central to organized crime.

Economic Impact of Organized Crime

The financial effects that organized crime exerts on marketplaces and communities.

Community Protection Groups

Gangs that initially form as protectors of their communities but may evolve into criminal organizations.

Group Identity

The shared sense of belonging and loyalty among members of a criminal organization.

Role of Technology

The changing landscape of organized crime facilitated by advancements in technology.

Proliferation of Organized Crime

The increasing number and complexity of organized crime groups observed over time.

Research Methodologies

Various approaches used to study organized crime, including qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Deconstructive Organization Psychology

Analyzing organized crime structures to identify vulnerabilities and methods for disruption.

Hidden Leaders

Individuals within organized crime networks who exercise power without public recognition.

Identity Theft

The crime of obtaining and using someone's personal information without consent.

Counterfeit Goods

Fake products intended to deceive consumers and infringe on trademarks.

Cyclic Nature of Crime

The pattern in which crime often resurges or morphs in response to law enforcement efforts.

Financial Benefits

The monetary gains derived from participating in organized crime.

Crime Type Specialization

The focus of a criminal group on specific types of criminal activity.

Structural Weaknesses

Vulnerabilities within a criminal organization that can be exploited by law enforcement.

Research Findings

Evidence gathered from analysis studies that inform strategies against organized crime.

Legal Definitions

Statutory descriptions that specify what constitutes organized crime in law.

Criminal Networks,

The interconnected relationships and interactions between different groups or individuals engaged in crime.

Resource Control

The ability of criminal organizations to manage and allocate resources effectively.

Cliques

Small, tightly knit groups within larger networks that have specific roles or functions.

High-Level Criminal Threat

Significant organized crime operations that exhibit advanced capabilities and substantial influence.

Mid-Level Criminal Threat

Moderate organized crime structures that maintain some degree of expertise and operational efficiency.

Low-Level Criminal Threat

Limited organized crime activities characterized by basic operational capabilities.

Youth Involvement in Crime

The phenomenon of young people getting drawn into organized crime networks.

Socio-Economic Harms

The negative effects organized crime has on larger society, including financial and social implications.

Urban Crime Networks

Criminal organizations that predominantly operate in urban areas.

Criminal Enterprise

Any organized group engaged in illegal activities with a profit motive.

Specialized Skills

Unique abilities that enhance the effectiveness of organized crime participants.

Patterns of Cooperation

The established methods through which members of a criminal network work together.

Market Demand

The need for certain illegal products or services that organized crime seeks to profit from.

Vulnerability Analysis

Assessing weaknesses within criminal networks to implement disruption strategies.

Cultural Influence on Crime

The impact of societal norms and beliefs on the formation and operation of organized crime.

External Business Operations

Legitimate fronts used by organized crime to mask illegal activities.

Mafia

A type of organized crime group characterized by a hierarchical structure and a focus on illicit activities.

Street Gangs

Form of organized crime involved in local, often violent, criminal activities.

Adaptation to Enforcement

The tendency of organized crime groups to modify their operations in response to law enforcement actions.

Internal Discipline

The degree to which a criminal organization enforces rules and maintains order among its members.

Financial Fraud

Deceptive practices intended to secure an unfair or unlawful financial gain.

Identity Protection

Methods employed by criminals to conceal their identities while conducting illegal activities.

Organized Crime Legislation

Laws designed to address and mitigate the impact of organized crime.

GTA/Southern Ontario

A major hub for organized crime activities in Canada.

Greater Montreal Hubs

Another key area for organized crime operations within Canada.

Criminal Justice System

The institutions and processes established to manage crime and criminal behavior.

Fear as Motivation

The use of intimidation or coercion to recruit members into organized crime.

Community Dynamics

The interactions and relationships within a community that can influence crime rates.

Undercover Operations

Law enforcement tactics used to infiltrate and investigate organized crime groups.

Recidivism Rate

The tendency of previously incarcerated individuals to re-offend.

Network Patterns

The arrangements and connections within and among criminal organizations.

Public Trust

The level of confidence that the public has in law enforcement and justice systems.

Embezzlement

The act of dishonestly withholding or misappropriating funds placed in one's trust.

Corruption of Officials

The perpetration of illegal acts by public officials for personal gain.

Synthetic Drug Precursors

Chemical compounds used in the illicit development of synthetic drugs.

Technological Innovation

The integration of new technologies in organized crime to enhance strategies.

Social Cohesion

The bond that holds members of a criminal organization together, often strengthened by shared goals.

Transnational Crime

Criminal activities that cross national borders, complicating law enforcement efforts.

Insider Trading

The act of trading based on non-public, confidential information about a corporation.

Public Awareness Campaigns

Initiatives aimed at educating communities about the impacts of organized crime.

Criminal Acts by Design

Intentional illegal actions executed as part of organized criminal schemes.

Behavioral Patterns

Recurring actions of individuals within organized crime networks that can be analyzed.

Identity Crisis in Gangs

The struggle of members to establish an identity within the criminal group.

Interconnectedness of Crime Types

The relationship between various forms of crime, such as how drug trafficking supports other illegal activities.

Resource Allocation

The distribution of resources within criminal organizations to maximize efficiency and profit.

Diversity in Criminal Networks

The variety of structures and operations found within different organized crime groups.

Public Perception of Crime

The way society views crime and criminal organizations, influencing policy and enforcement.

Adaptability of Criminal Networks

The ability of organized crime groups to change and evolve their methods in response to challenges.

Case Studies in Organized Crime

Research that examines specific instances of organized crime to draw broader conclusions.