Organized crime groups often bribe authorities to obtain documents allowing them to transport illegal goods. EXPLAINED | How Corruption Fuels Organized Crime? International Law
Corruption and organized crime are often intertwined in the modern world, with corruption facilitating the expansion of organized crime groups and their impunity. Corruption allows criminal groups to smuggle drugs, weapons, wildlife, and even people both within countries and across national borders, bypassing law enforcement agencies that are often corrupt themselves.
In many countries, corruption not only facilitates the flourishing of transnational organized crime, but also allows criminal groups to infiltrate and weaken government agencies. This undermines governance structures, destabilizes state institutions, and poses a serious threat to public order and the safety of citizens.
Corruption as a Factor Contributing to the Commission of Crimes
Fake documentation, counterfeit visas, and falsified licenses obtained from corrupt officials are just some of the tools criminals use to carry out their illegal activities. In addition, organized crime groups often bribe authorities to obtain documents that allow them to transport illegal goods.
A recent investigation by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) uncovered a case of hydrocarbon fuel smuggling. The smugglers bribed customs officials to allow them to pass through border crossings undetected. Some of the smuggled fuel was delivered to armed groups and possibly terrorist organizations, further destabilizing the region. As in many other cases, corruption not only facilitated another crime, but also played a role in fueling violence and increasing the potential threat to national security.
Corruption Makes Organized Crime Invisible
Corruption is used to prevent detection and obstruct investigations of other crimes. One country reported to UNODC a case in which a high-ranking police officer was convicted of accepting bribes from the head of a drug smuggling organization. The officer had helped the criminal evade arrest, including by sharing information about safe times to cross the border.
In illegal trafficking operations, victims may be forced to have sexual relations with law enforcement officers, prosecutors, or judges. They, in turn, warn criminals about searches, drop investigations, or acquit suspects.
Corruption and transnational organized crime are also driving forces for money laundering, thereby harming financial systems and the global economy. In the case of fuel smuggling, the proceeds from the operation were laundered through investments in real estate and businesses, which concealed the origin of the illegal profits.
Corruption and crime linked to political patronage
Corruption is also used to secure political leadership or to attempt to influence decision-making. For example, a member of parliament may accept money from an organized crime group in exchange for his or her vote in favor of a particular initiative. Several countries have reported attempts by organized crime to influence the appointment of public officials in order to create “pocket” politicians. As a result of such manipulation, public officials will be forced to continue to serve the interests of the corrupt actors who financed or supported their rise to power, reinforcing the cycle of dependency and exploitation.
Why it is difficult to combat this phenomenon?
Corruption and organized crime are usually hidden, complex mechanisms and affect multiple entities within a jurisdiction. Criminal networks are constantly evolving, adapting to the changing environment and any challenges posed by law enforcement. They use sophisticated methods and technologies to hide their activities, maintain secure communications with each other, and avoid detection.
Law enforcement agencies in some countries are finding it difficult to keep up with the times due to a lack of funding. They also find it difficult to encourage reporting on such crimes because the media fears retaliation from criminals.
Why Understanding the Link Between Corruption and Organized Crime is Important?
When we understand how corruption facilitates organized crime, we can develop clearer, more targeted strategies and responses that close loopholes while taking into account the broader national and regional context. Further systematic data collection and research are needed to support these efforts.
The 10th session of the Conference of the States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption adopted its first resolution urging all parties to strengthen international cooperation and deepen understanding of the risks and impacts of corruption involving organized criminal groups. This marks an important milestone in countries recognizing the link between corruption and organized crime as a serious threat.
Research in New and Emerging Areas
The link between organized crime and corruption can be found in various sectors and walks of life, even in sports. A new UNODC report takes an in-depth look at this issue and highlights the need to address the infiltration of organized crime into sports. Organized criminal groups use corruption as a means of infiltrating and exploiting amateur and professional sports. They use tactics such as engaging in illegal betting, laundering the proceeds of crime, remote cheating, manipulation of competition results and trafficking in athletes in pursuit of illicit profits.
Recent trends clearly show that organised crime groups play a significant role in corruption in sports, particularly in relation to transnational schemes to manipulate competitions related to betting. These schemes involve a complex network of investors, financiers, middlemen and players.