Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with this statement based on the subject material provided, and by using wider research beyond subject materials. The submission should include, but not be restricted to:
1. The nature and extent of organised crime;
2. The characteristics of organised criminal gangs, families or groups;
3. The potential opportunities to counter or disrupt organised criminal activity, and,
4. The impact that points 1,2, and 3 has upon the socio-economic welfare of a nation, and upon democracy itself.
Additional notes.
• Part A. The development of criminal enterprises has grown over the past five decades. This has impacted on the ability of countries to deal with this crime group. They have focused energy on areas of money laundering and proceeds of crime legislation which has changed the focus from actual crime to outputs resulting from the crime. This has assisted agencies in combating this group.
• Part B. The ever-increasing evidence that criminal organisations often have a cultural background developing in and around the organisation is more evident in the past decade. It has been seen though cultural growth of these organisations in particular in new demographics migrating to new countries.