Organized Crime

Organized crime is best described as the operation of illegal business entities whose members are bound together because of their group interest and their desire to profit from illegal activity.  Major organized crime groups include the Italian Mafia, outlaw motorcycle gangs (Hells Angels, Grim Reapers, Rock Machine), Triads, and other Asian crime groups, the Russian Mafia and Eastern crime groups; South American, Columbian, and Mexican Cartels; and other Canadian ethnic-based crime groups. These groups launder their illicit profits through countries whose laws are designed to protect bank and investment records.
Crime organizations establish territorial distribution areas and utilize extortion and corruption to develop regions under their control and to enforce and to enforce their rules. Laundered profits are invested in legitimate business, which provides the members in the upper levels with a cover and in turn, respectability in the community.
Last class we discussed what we know of organized crime.....what different groups might be considered as organized crime groups.
There was a booklet that I expect you to work on to help you get an understanding of what organized crime groups are and the theories that are attached to them.