Criminology Chapter 16: Organized Crime

A criminal enterprise involving multiple people working collaboratively, often in secrecy, for financial gain.

The defining characteristic of OC is the pursuit of profit. This financial gain drives the criminal activities.

Organized crime is characterized by a continuing, secretive conspiracy amongst individuals for financial benefit.

The broader the scope of criminal activities, the more organized the criminal enterprise needs to be.

The goal of OC is financial profit, regardless of the specific crimes committed.

The idea that organized crime groups emerge and decline in a predictable pattern, with newer groups replacing older ones.

The theory that organized crime acts like a business, providing illegal goods and services to meet societal demand. Think of it like a supply and demand for illegal products.

The idea that governments, by outlawing certain vices, create demand for illegal goods and services, which then fuels organized crime.

A mutually beneficial relationship where criminal organizations provide illegal goods and services to a specific segment of society.

Crimes that involve force or coercion against victims, such as robbery, extortion, or assault, rather than consensual exchange like drug sales.

A model of organized crime (OC) that envisions a structured hierarchy with multiple permanent ranks, similar to a business organization.

A model of organized crime (OC) that emphasizes family ties and blood relationships as the foundation of the organization.

A model of organized crime (OC) where powerful individuals (patrons) provide protection and influence to others (clients) in exchange for loyalty and services.

A model of organized crime (OC) characterized by flexible connections between individuals who share similar interests or skills and collaborate on specific criminal activities.

A central figure in the patron-client model of organized crime (OC) who acts as a mediator and controls a network of individuals in a specific area.

The organized crime structure that resembles a business organization with clear hierarchy, division of labor and specialized roles.

The organized crime structure that is centered around family ties and blood relationships, where individuals are bound by cultural traditions.

The organized crime structure that involves a network of relationships between patrons and clients, where power is distributed through influence and control.

Organized crime groups prioritize profit and operate like businesses responding to market forces for illegal goods and services.

Organized crime groups often utilize violence to achieve specific goals such as maintaining internal order, enhancing group reputation, or intimidating rivals.

The process of transforming illicitly obtained money into legitimate funds to conceal its origins.

Organized crime groups actively gather intelligence on law enforcement, rivals, and their own members to ensure secrecy and operational success.

Organized crime groups operate with a strong sense of hierarchy and adherence to internal rules and regulations, emphasizing secrecy and loyalty.

Organized crime groups uphold strict internal discipline enforced through a code of honor, loyalty, and the threat of severe consequences for disobedience.

Organized crime groups do not have a political or ideological motivation. Their primary objective is to achieve financial gain and material benefits.

Organized crime groups often clash with the norms and values of mainstream society, forming their own subculture based on criminal activities and perspectives.

Organized crime groups use a structured process to bring in new members, teaching them their values and methods.

Organized crime groups primarily focus on making money through illegal activities.

Crimes committed with mutual consent, where there is no victim, often involve prohibited goods or services.

Organized crime groups can carry out multiple illegal businesses, such as drug trafficking and gambling.

Organized crime groups provide goods and services to the public that are prohibited or restricted, including drugs, counterfeit goods, and illegal gambling services.

Organized crime groups can operate in both legal and illegal markets, using legal businesses for money laundering and legitimacy.

Organized crime groups often try to control the supply of goods and services through violence and corrupting officials.

A hierarchical structure where a leader, typically known as a 'patron' or 'capo,' oversees the operations, ensures the well-being of their members, and receives financial contributions from their associates.

A model that views organized crime not as a rigid structure but as a flexible network of individuals who collaborate based on shared interests and expertise.

Individuals within criminal networks who facilitate connections and collaborations between different groups or specialized actors.

The idea that criminal conspiracies are adaptable and resistant to law enforcement due to their flexible structure and decentralized decision-making.

Countries like Canada that are used by international criminal groups to traffic drugs and other illegal goods due to their geographic proximity to major markets.

The ability of criminal groups to operate across national borders, typically engaged in drug trafficking, smuggling, and other illicit activities.

Countries like Canada, due to their large area, less strict penalties, and proximity to other countries, are attractive for illegal activities.

The involvement of organized crime in the production and distribution of marijuana and synthetic drugs, particularly in Canada.