Police believe organized crime to is to blame for a shootout that ended in a Tijuana hospital. At least three people have been killed. The gun battle began in the streets near the central bus station and continued at the city's general hospital.
Around mid-morning, police in Tijuana began following a suspicious vehicle. It turned into a chase and the vehicle ultimately crashed. Two men got out and started shooting at police, one was killed.
The Red Cross rushed another person who was injured to the General Hospital. Moments later, a group of heavily armed men arrived at the hospital to free their comrade. Two policemen were killed in the parking lot.
Hundreds were evacuated from the hospital, as a tense stand off with police began. After exchanging gunfire for a long period of time, the police finally arrested two suspects and are possibly looking for more.
Monday, May 7, 2007
Biker for the Hell's Angel's Involved in Organized Crime
The trial of Hells Angel Ian Grant has entered a new phase, as the Crown attempts to prove Grant was involved with organized crime.
Grant has pleaded not guilty to nine charges, including extortion, drug trafficking and participating in a criminal organization.
So far, the Canada has presented evidence alleging Grant sold kilogram-sized amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine to a civilian police agent. Much of the evidence involved recordings and testimony by Franco Atanasovic, a civilian police agent who was paid more than $500,000 for his participation in police operations.
Both Canada and the defence have acknowledged that Grant is a member of the Hells Angels. Now Canada is presenting arguments intended to prove that the group is a criminal organization.
Grant has pleaded not guilty to nine charges, including extortion, drug trafficking and participating in a criminal organization.
So far, the Canada has presented evidence alleging Grant sold kilogram-sized amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine to a civilian police agent. Much of the evidence involved recordings and testimony by Franco Atanasovic, a civilian police agent who was paid more than $500,000 for his participation in police operations.
Both Canada and the defence have acknowledged that Grant is a member of the Hells Angels. Now Canada is presenting arguments intended to prove that the group is a criminal organization.
West Balkan Nations say No to Organized Crime
Ministers and officials from Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro all put their names to the document during a two-day conference. The document calls for better police action toward organized crime. “For Hungary, because of our European Union role and Schengen membership, it is very important that we work together against cross-border crime and illegal migration,” Hungarian Justice Minister József Petrétei told a press conference. Hungary, Slovenia and Romania form the EU's land border with the Balkans.
The Schengen zone is an area where EU member countries have agreed to remove all internal borders. Hungary is due to completely implement the agreement by March 2008, making it imperative that illegal immigrants are caught before they enter the zone and can move more freely. Organized criminals are regularly caught attempting to smuggle illegal migrant workers into the EU via Hungary. The workers' final destination is usually Italy, Austria or countries further west where higher wages can be earned.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has noted that the importance of the heroin smuggling route through Hungary via the Balkans had diminished, but Afghan heroin still made its way to Europe via this route.
The Schengen zone is an area where EU member countries have agreed to remove all internal borders. Hungary is due to completely implement the agreement by March 2008, making it imperative that illegal immigrants are caught before they enter the zone and can move more freely. Organized criminals are regularly caught attempting to smuggle illegal migrant workers into the EU via Hungary. The workers' final destination is usually Italy, Austria or countries further west where higher wages can be earned.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has noted that the importance of the heroin smuggling route through Hungary via the Balkans had diminished, but Afghan heroin still made its way to Europe via this route.
Military ambushed by Organized Crime
In Carácuaro, Mexico a patrol of soldiers were heading out to responded to a call of a "complaint." About eighty miles south of the capital city the convoy was ambushed by criminals suspected of being involved in organized crime. A colonel and four enlisted men were killed along with many others wounded in the ambush. One criminal had been killed but most of the others managed to escape.
This after Carácuaro Mayor Ismael Garduño Ortega, earlier in the evening, had called for help due to threats of a kidnapping by organized crime. He reportedly asked for the speedy intervention of some 6,000 soldiers involved in the permanent campaign against narcotics trafficking in Michoacán.
Later however Garduño claimed he had not called for help. “That was never the situation, conversely I think they have used me to justify their violent entry,” he told Mexican reporters.
This after Carácuaro Mayor Ismael Garduño Ortega, earlier in the evening, had called for help due to threats of a kidnapping by organized crime. He reportedly asked for the speedy intervention of some 6,000 soldiers involved in the permanent campaign against narcotics trafficking in Michoacán.
Later however Garduño claimed he had not called for help. “That was never the situation, conversely I think they have used me to justify their violent entry,” he told Mexican reporters.
Tycoon Asks for Help from Organized Crime
On May 7th, A police official said a South Korean tycoon enlisted the help of an organized crime ring to abduct and beat up bar workers in apparent revenge for an attack on his son last month. The Tycoon and the organized crime ring have not been identified.
An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that a man believed to head of an organized crime ring was at two of the alleged abduction and beatings along with other members. The man, only identified by his surname "Oh," has been out of the country since April 27. He has not commented further.
An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that a man believed to head of an organized crime ring was at two of the alleged abduction and beatings along with other members. The man, only identified by his surname "Oh," has been out of the country since April 27. He has not commented further.
Mexican Mafia
The next generation of organized crime can be seen on the streets we live on today. Gangs have grown to proportions that rival most mafia families. They can organize criminal activities from jail, reach across state lines and borders, and infiltrate our inner cities.
The drug trade is a large part of the Mexican Mafia's income. The sheriff's dept along with other law enforcement agencies are cracking down on the Mexican Mafia's strangle hold on California and other states.
Just this week, police arrested a drug kingpin and thirteen others associated with the Mexican Mafia in the Coachella Valley. Drugs and paraphernalia were found along with hand guns and intelligence at the residence. This is just one bust in a recent sweep of Southern California that has police targeting these dangerous organized criminals.
The drug trade is a large part of the Mexican Mafia's income. The sheriff's dept along with other law enforcement agencies are cracking down on the Mexican Mafia's strangle hold on California and other states.
Just this week, police arrested a drug kingpin and thirteen others associated with the Mexican Mafia in the Coachella Valley. Drugs and paraphernalia were found along with hand guns and intelligence at the residence. This is just one bust in a recent sweep of Southern California that has police targeting these dangerous organized criminals.
Sicilian Mafia can Reproduce Itself
The Sicilian Mafia operates like a business, and while its leaders can be removed, it can regenerate itself like no legitimate organization in Italy. On Sunday, the interior minister, Giuliano Amato, made the comments in Palermo, Sicily, on the sidelines of a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the Mafia slaying of Pio La Torre.
"We can decapitate the mafia but let's remember that it's an organism that has the capacity to reproduce itself, perhaps like no other in Italy," the ANSA news agency quoted.
He said La Cosa Nostra has such wealth and independence that it operated like its own economy in a large part of Sicily and mainland Italy. In a message for the anniversary, Italian President Giorgio Napolitano said "only a great movement of people, opinions and culture can defeat the Mafia."
"We can decapitate the mafia but let's remember that it's an organism that has the capacity to reproduce itself, perhaps like no other in Italy," the ANSA news agency quoted.
He said La Cosa Nostra has such wealth and independence that it operated like its own economy in a large part of Sicily and mainland Italy. In a message for the anniversary, Italian President Giorgio Napolitano said "only a great movement of people, opinions and culture can defeat the Mafia."
Mafia Involved in Archaeological Objects Trafficking
There seems to be a close connection between the Mafia and persons involved in the trafficking of over two thousand archaeological objects stolen from Sicily.
The article claims the contraband is being investigated by the Italian police. The artifacts used to arrive illicitly in Malta by sea before continuing to the UK and America. In January, the Italian police issued arrest warrants for the group(s) involved.
Besides investigating certain objects found in Swiss banks, the Italian police are also investigating a number of Maltese bank accounts in connection with this operation. It is believed that some accounts are being used by people in connection with the Mafia and the trafficking of the archaeological objects. They are not excluding the possibility that some of these objects have been deposited into local banks. The investigation is ongoing.
The article claims the contraband is being investigated by the Italian police. The artifacts used to arrive illicitly in Malta by sea before continuing to the UK and America. In January, the Italian police issued arrest warrants for the group(s) involved.
Besides investigating certain objects found in Swiss banks, the Italian police are also investigating a number of Maltese bank accounts in connection with this operation. It is believed that some accounts are being used by people in connection with the Mafia and the trafficking of the archaeological objects. They are not excluding the possibility that some of these objects have been deposited into local banks. The investigation is ongoing.
Son of Mafia Boss Acquitted
A federal jury in Detroit has acquitted the son of convicted Mafia boss Vito Giacalone of racketeering and extortion charges resulting from a government investigation into illegal sports gambling.
It took less than one hour for the jury to find Jack V. Giacalone of West Bloomfield not guilty on the sports gambling charges. He was indicted on March 3rd, 2006 among the total of 15 defendants, most of them pleading guilty on the illegal betting case. Fourteen of the charged defendants were arrested in Detroit.
Investigators accused Jack Giacalone of attempting to collect a gambling debt from a man who told a grand jury that he felt intimidated. Even after the man testified that he didn't feel threatened. He was indicted on two counts of racketeering conspiracy under the RICO act.
It took less than one hour for the jury to find Jack V. Giacalone of West Bloomfield not guilty on the sports gambling charges. He was indicted on March 3rd, 2006 among the total of 15 defendants, most of them pleading guilty on the illegal betting case. Fourteen of the charged defendants were arrested in Detroit.
Investigators accused Jack Giacalone of attempting to collect a gambling debt from a man who told a grand jury that he felt intimidated. Even after the man testified that he didn't feel threatened. He was indicted on two counts of racketeering conspiracy under the RICO act.
New Book Claims CIA, Mafia Plotted JFK's Assassination
A new book written by David Talbot claims that both the Mafia and CIA plotted to kill John F. Kennedy during the time he was president. The book, "Brothers: The Hidden History of the Kennedy Years," makes the claim that John Kennedy's younger brother, Robert, made secret efforts to expose the plot. The book also claims that the CIA was spying on JFK, more than they spy on today's mob bosses.
The author also claims that just hours after Jack Ruby killed Oswald, Robert learned that Ruby was a mafia "errand boy" paid by associates of Teamster leader Jimmy Hoffa. Talbot believes Robert was on the right trail. Among the evidence of CIA involvement was a deathbed confession by Watergate burglar E. Howard Hunt to attending a 1963 meeting at a "CIA safe house" in Miami where other operatives tried to recruit him for "the big event," namely killing Kennedy.
The author also claims that just hours after Jack Ruby killed Oswald, Robert learned that Ruby was a mafia "errand boy" paid by associates of Teamster leader Jimmy Hoffa. Talbot believes Robert was on the right trail. Among the evidence of CIA involvement was a deathbed confession by Watergate burglar E. Howard Hunt to attending a 1963 meeting at a "CIA safe house" in Miami where other operatives tried to recruit him for "the big event," namely killing Kennedy.
Movie about Sicilian Mafia
If you liked Goodfellas and Sopranos, then this little known movie about the mafia is a must have and a must see. "Mafioso" is a movie made in the early 1960's that illustrates the story of Nino Badalamenti, a manager at a factory that becomes involved in a Mafia plot when he visits his family in Sicily. The movie takes both a humerous and tough look inside the secret world of organized crime.
Combining the realism of his native Italy with good social commentary, director Alberto Lattuada managed to make a movie that defies the mob movies of today. Rialto Pictures has given it the restoration and re-release it deserves. "Mafioso" is definitly a mob movie you do not want to let pass you by.
Combining the realism of his native Italy with good social commentary, director Alberto Lattuada managed to make a movie that defies the mob movies of today. Rialto Pictures has given it the restoration and re-release it deserves. "Mafioso" is definitly a mob movie you do not want to let pass you by.
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Rudy Giuliani Hired a Mobster!?
The mafia may have had a mole in Rudy Giuliani's administration when he was governor of New York City. Rudy Giuliani developed a no-nonsense approach to organized crime when he first became mayor of New York City. Salvatore Vitale, former underboss of the Bonanno crime family, told federal investigators after he was arrested in 2003 that the mob had a police source who served for a time on Giuliani's City Hall security detail, according to recent court testimony and government records.
Information about the purported police mob source is found in a transcript of Vitale's testimony in the Pizzonia trial in Brooklyn federal court. Under questioning by defense attorney Joseph Corrozo, Vitale said he believed Massino had an NYPD source who "worked with Rudy Giuliani."
Neither Rudy Giuliani nor his office would comment on the accusation due to the fact Rudy is now a presidential candidate.
Information about the purported police mob source is found in a transcript of Vitale's testimony in the Pizzonia trial in Brooklyn federal court. Under questioning by defense attorney Joseph Corrozo, Vitale said he believed Massino had an NYPD source who "worked with Rudy Giuliani."
Neither Rudy Giuliani nor his office would comment on the accusation due to the fact Rudy is now a presidential candidate.
Mob Case Collapsing
A gambling probe investigation that led the arrest of more than forty defendants, one of which was murder execution style, has collapsed "amid a battle between the offices of the Bergen County prosecutor and state attorney general office over tainted evidence."
They claim that serious flaws within the investigation led to all the evidence gleaned from wiretaps, data warrants, and searches suppressed.
The superior court judge, Marilyn C. Clark, has already cleared ten of the defendants in the case and cleared the way for charges to be dropped against the other defendants
They claim that serious flaws within the investigation led to all the evidence gleaned from wiretaps, data warrants, and searches suppressed.
The superior court judge, Marilyn C. Clark, has already cleared ten of the defendants in the case and cleared the way for charges to be dropped against the other defendants
Acting Boss of Genovese Crime Family Sentenced
Federal authorities announced that the acting boss of the Genovese crime family, Matthew Ianniello, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for using his status in organized crime to "collect unlawful labor payments from union officials of Local 1181 of the Amalgamated Transit Union. Mr. Ianniello was also sentenced for obstructing a grand jury investigation into the illicit relationship between Local 1181 and the Genovese crime family.
Matthew Ianniello pled guilty to the charges yet Mr. Ianniello is also involved in another trial involving even more members of the Genovese crime family allegedly involved in a racketeer conspiracy.
Matthew Ianniello pled guilty to the charges yet Mr. Ianniello is also involved in another trial involving even more members of the Genovese crime family allegedly involved in a racketeer conspiracy.
Judge Assigns an Anonymous Jury to Chicago Mob Trial
U.S. District Judge, James Zagel, announced that he decided to seat an anonymous jury in the upcoming trial of several Chicago organized crime figures. The upcoming trial accuses the defendants of being involved in a racketeering conspiracy. Eight of them are being charged with participating in a long-running conspiracy involving some eighteen murders. Three others will face the jury on gambling charges.
The Judge would not comment as to why the jury would be anonymous, but most people by now have a good idea. All the defendants have plead not guilty and jury selection for their trails is scheduled to begin on June 5th.
The Judge would not comment as to why the jury would be anonymous, but most people by now have a good idea. All the defendants have plead not guilty and jury selection for their trails is scheduled to begin on June 5th.
Cancun Police Chief Attacked by Organized Crime
An assassination attempt on the Cancun police chief, Adrian Samos Medina, has put the security forces of this seaside resort on high alert. While the police chief himself was not injured, one of his bodyguard was killed and two other injured when an unidentified man fired at Medina's car in broad daylight. The assassination attempt is thought to be a result on the government's recent crack-down on organized crime. Mayor Francisco Alor said organized crime was likely behind the assassination attempt.
Since the beginning of the year, the Mexican government's fight against organized crime has resulted in the deaths of nearly nine hundred people, including police and military soldiers, that were deployed by Mexican President Felipe Calderon.
Since the beginning of the year, the Mexican government's fight against organized crime has resulted in the deaths of nearly nine hundred people, including police and military soldiers, that were deployed by Mexican President Felipe Calderon.
Mafia tricks Nova Scotia Police
A bogus tip that led to the massive search of cargo ships in Nova Scotia, might have been a ploy by organized crime. The police are looking into whether organized crime planted false information that led to extensive search for illegal immigrants on a container ship near Halifax.
The incident occurred on April 10th, 2007 when the Canada Border Services Agency and dozens of police boarded the ship in search of the migrants.
"Organized crime has a lot of faces and a lot of strategies and a whole lot more money than we do, so there are some interesting tactics, and I wouldn't have been surprised if that would have been one of them," said Bev Busson during a visit to Halifax.
The incident occurred on April 10th, 2007 when the Canada Border Services Agency and dozens of police boarded the ship in search of the migrants.
"Organized crime has a lot of faces and a lot of strategies and a whole lot more money than we do, so there are some interesting tactics, and I wouldn't have been surprised if that would have been one of them," said Bev Busson during a visit to Halifax.
Members of the Genovese Crime Family in Court
A federal investigation starting in 2003, led to the arrest and prosecution of 14 defendents in a Manhattan court room. One solider and two associates of the Genovese Crime Family were among the 14 people prosecuted on charges ranging from racketeering to murder.
The defendents were originally charged in a Manhattan federal court in a 42-count indictment. Thirty-four defendants, including an acting "don" and various members and associates of the Genovese crime family of La Cosa Nostra, were charged with crimes other offenses spanning more than a decade.
The indictment targeted factions of the Genovese crime family in the areas of the Bronx, East Harlem, and Westchester.
The defendents were originally charged in a Manhattan federal court in a 42-count indictment. Thirty-four defendants, including an acting "don" and various members and associates of the Genovese crime family of La Cosa Nostra, were charged with crimes other offenses spanning more than a decade.
The indictment targeted factions of the Genovese crime family in the areas of the Bronx, East Harlem, and Westchester.
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Italy mob pecking order changes in Milan
A once barely known Italian mafia family has risen to a controlling presence in the drug trade based in Milan. The Calabrian mob known as 'Ndrangheta has taken control of the cocaine trade not to mention numerous banks, construction companies and other legitimate businesses in northern Italy. The change was confirmed at the first of May when authorities arrested 20 Calabrian mobsters, including notorious boss Salvatore Morabito, and seized 550 pounds of cocaine.
The Calabrian mafia has its roots in southern Italy and usually avoids violence, but it has been steadily redefining its image and power.
The Calabrian mafia has its roots in southern Italy and usually avoids violence, but it has been steadily redefining its image and power.
(Stupid) Couple Robs the Mafia
A recent article sheds new light on a robbery spree turned murder investigation. In early 1991, Thomas (28) and Rosemarie Uva (31) decided it would be a "wise" idea to rob Mafia-run social clubs in Little Italy and elsewhere throughout New York. The couple thought that the social clubs would be home to high stakes card games, which would be an easy target. They we're right and they were wrong.
Almost as predicted, the couple got "whacked on Christmas Eve in 1992. They were both found in a Mercury Topaz sitting in a intersection in Queens, New York. Both Thomas and Rosemarie died from three gunshots to the back of the head.
Now, fifteen years later, the story of the bandits who made the stupid mistake of stealing from the mob is playing out at the trial of the man accused of murdering them, a reputed Gambino crime family captain named Dominick “Skinny Dom” Pizzonia.
Prosecutors claim that John A. “Junior” Gotti, while acting boss of the Gambino family once led by his father, sanctioned the killings.
The trial is still ongoing and more answers are yet to come.
Almost as predicted, the couple got "whacked on Christmas Eve in 1992. They were both found in a Mercury Topaz sitting in a intersection in Queens, New York. Both Thomas and Rosemarie died from three gunshots to the back of the head.
Now, fifteen years later, the story of the bandits who made the stupid mistake of stealing from the mob is playing out at the trial of the man accused of murdering them, a reputed Gambino crime family captain named Dominick “Skinny Dom” Pizzonia.
Prosecutors claim that John A. “Junior” Gotti, while acting boss of the Gambino family once led by his father, sanctioned the killings.
The trial is still ongoing and more answers are yet to come.
Canadian Mobster Tells of Role in Mafia Hits
In New York City on May 5th, 2007, the Canadian mobster,Vito Rizzuto, who took part in the spectacular slaying of three New York Mafia captains in 1981 pleaded guilty to racketeering as part of a plea deal calling for him to serve just 10 years in prison.
Vito Rizzuto is the former mob boss of the organized crime network known as the "Montreal Mafia." Rizzuto went to New York in the 1980's at the request of the Bonanno crime family. His presence was requested to help kill three captains suspected of plotting a coup against the Bonanno crime family don.
Vito Rizzuto's sentence is a light, but prosecutors said their options were limited.
Rizzuto was charged as part of a racketeering case, and under federal law at the time of the killing, faced a maximum of only 20 years if he went to trial and was found guilty. The law has subsequently been changed to allow for a life sentence, but the change does not apply to old crimes.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Andres said the age of the case, which would have made prosecution somewhat difficult, made the light term acceptable.
Vito Rizzuto was one of over 100 alleged Bonanno family members snared in an investigation that crippled the organization and ultimately led its boss, Joseph Massino, to plead guilty to orchestrating a string of murders, including the 1981 social club slayings.
Vito Rizzuto is the former mob boss of the organized crime network known as the "Montreal Mafia." Rizzuto went to New York in the 1980's at the request of the Bonanno crime family. His presence was requested to help kill three captains suspected of plotting a coup against the Bonanno crime family don.
Vito Rizzuto's sentence is a light, but prosecutors said their options were limited.
Rizzuto was charged as part of a racketeering case, and under federal law at the time of the killing, faced a maximum of only 20 years if he went to trial and was found guilty. The law has subsequently been changed to allow for a life sentence, but the change does not apply to old crimes.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Andres said the age of the case, which would have made prosecution somewhat difficult, made the light term acceptable.
Vito Rizzuto was one of over 100 alleged Bonanno family members snared in an investigation that crippled the organization and ultimately led its boss, Joseph Massino, to plead guilty to orchestrating a string of murders, including the 1981 social club slayings.
Indictment Filed Against Organized Crime Boss "Asi Abutbul"
On April 5th, 2007 in Tel Aviv, Israel an indictment was filed against "Asi Abutbul" who is a known boss for a organized criminal network. Asi and 23 others had charges brought against them Friday morning in Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court, charging them with 21 different counts including bribery, arsenal, and affiliation with organized crime. The indictment is unusual because of the number of charges against the defendants, who prosecutors say make up one of the largest crime organizations in Israel.
The charges mainly stem from suspected blackmailing of some thirty businesses and French immigrants. The Court also claims that the defendants organized themselves in a systematic and hierarchic manner from 2005 until their arrest in March 2007.
The charges also claim that "Abutbul managed the organization, ordered those under him and directed their activities, all in order to promote the organization's criminal activity. The defendant decided, in accordance with intelligence he received, which businessmen to forcefully bribe and the amount to blackmail them with."
A trial date has not yet been set.
The charges mainly stem from suspected blackmailing of some thirty businesses and French immigrants. The Court also claims that the defendants organized themselves in a systematic and hierarchic manner from 2005 until their arrest in March 2007.
The charges also claim that "Abutbul managed the organization, ordered those under him and directed their activities, all in order to promote the organization's criminal activity. The defendant decided, in accordance with intelligence he received, which businessmen to forcefully bribe and the amount to blackmail them with."
A trial date has not yet been set.
Afghan Narcotics Trade & Organized Crime
The occupation forces in Afghanistan are supporting the drug trade, which brings between 120 and 194 billion dollars of revenues to organized crime, intelligence agencies and Western financial institutions. The proceeds of this lucrative multi-bllion dollar contraband are deposited in Western banks. Almost the totality of revenues accrue to corporate interests and criminal syndicates outside Afghanistan.
According to the UN, In 2006 Afghanistan supplied some 92 percent of the world's supply of opium, which is used to make heroin. The drugs cultivated in Afghanistan are shipped to buyers throughout the globe helping fund and empower organized crime. Even legitimate American companies are known buyers of Afghan opium, which is used to make certain kinds of pharmaceutical drugs.
Afghan opium "is sold to licensed pharmaceutical and/or chemical manufacturing firms such as Mallinckrodt and Johnson & Johnson, under rules established by the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs and the International Narcotics Control Board.
With the war on terror still ongoing in Afghanistan, it will be difficult to stop the narcotics trade because opium is the main export and only means of income for many Afghan civilians.
According to the UN, In 2006 Afghanistan supplied some 92 percent of the world's supply of opium, which is used to make heroin. The drugs cultivated in Afghanistan are shipped to buyers throughout the globe helping fund and empower organized crime. Even legitimate American companies are known buyers of Afghan opium, which is used to make certain kinds of pharmaceutical drugs.
Afghan opium "is sold to licensed pharmaceutical and/or chemical manufacturing firms such as Mallinckrodt and Johnson & Johnson, under rules established by the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs and the International Narcotics Control Board.
With the war on terror still ongoing in Afghanistan, it will be difficult to stop the narcotics trade because opium is the main export and only means of income for many Afghan civilians.
Organized Crime Uses "Bots" to Hijack PC's
Organized Crime has found a new way to use your own home computer as a weapon to help conduct their criminal activities. These criminals are turning home computers into "Bots."
Bot nets are created by injecting malicious code into various websites and spam e-mails. When a computer user gets infected they are immediately under the control of a bot herder.
A bot herder is a hacker who can control over a million infected computers and use them to launch attacks against other sites or businesses.
Bot herders are paid big money by other criminals, including some organized crime organizations, that use the network of robots to launch attacks.
“They've got millions computers that they can go in and place a trojan or malicious code, so the next time that person goes to their bank account, the criminal(s) can piggy back on them and steal money out of their bank accounts,” said Schiller.
“Organized crime has found a way to turn our little home appliance against us," said Craig Schiller a computer security expert at Portland State University.
Bot nets are created by injecting malicious code into various websites and spam e-mails. When a computer user gets infected they are immediately under the control of a bot herder.
A bot herder is a hacker who can control over a million infected computers and use them to launch attacks against other sites or businesses.
Bot herders are paid big money by other criminals, including some organized crime organizations, that use the network of robots to launch attacks.
“They've got millions computers that they can go in and place a trojan or malicious code, so the next time that person goes to their bank account, the criminal(s) can piggy back on them and steal money out of their bank accounts,” said Schiller.
“Organized crime has found a way to turn our little home appliance against us," said Craig Schiller a computer security expert at Portland State University.
Pirated DVD Industry Linked to Organized Crime
An article released on May 4th, 2007 claims that the industry of pirating DVD's is a lucrative business whose profits may be funding various organized crime networks and terrorism. Most people consider pirating DVD's as a victimless crime, yet the money they are spending on purchasing these DVD's may be supporting criminal organizations.
"Compared to other forms of crime, DVD piracy offers criminals high returns and relatively low risk in terms of penalties. It is an attractive option for organized crime groups, who use the trade in DVD piracy to launder cash and fund other forms of crime." (PiracyIsACrime.com)
This high return/low risk business is an easy way to launder or gain profit. Yet, even if the suspects are caught the penalties are less severe than in other illegal operations. Which makes the pirated DVD industry an easy money maker for organized crime.
Most people consider purchasing a pirated DVD as a victimless crime. However, most people do not know that the money they are saving buying these DVD's may be contributing to criminal activity in their area.
"Compared to other forms of crime, DVD piracy offers criminals high returns and relatively low risk in terms of penalties. It is an attractive option for organized crime groups, who use the trade in DVD piracy to launder cash and fund other forms of crime." (PiracyIsACrime.com)
This high return/low risk business is an easy way to launder or gain profit. Yet, even if the suspects are caught the penalties are less severe than in other illegal operations. Which makes the pirated DVD industry an easy money maker for organized crime.
Most people consider purchasing a pirated DVD as a victimless crime. However, most people do not know that the money they are saving buying these DVD's may be contributing to criminal activity in their area.
Stockholm Economy Hampered by Mafia
On May 4, 2007 a report was released that concluded that organized crime is "putting the brakes on growth in the Stockholm region." A top notch ferry and flight connections and made the region a popular transit area for some criminal networks that are preparing to branch out into other European regions.
The report was headed by Marie Eriksson, who manages a gender equality project at Stockholm's county administrative board. Its findings are the result of a collaborative effort between police in Stockholm and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency's Baltic unit.
According to the report, the organized crime networks of today have little in common with the mafia image most people are familiar with. Today's organized criminal networks more closely resemble multinational companies with their goods, services, divisions and employees. And one of the most lucrative divisions focuses on human trafficking.
The report refers to 51 attempts in the last three years to break up human trafficking operations involving prostitution in the Stockholm region. These raids showed that groups involved in human trafficking often also have connections to the weapons and drugs trades.
Marie Eriksson has proposed a number of preventive measures designed to ward battle all forms of organized crime. More financial resources should be made available, and local and regional groups involved in tackling the problem should work closer together.
The report was headed by Marie Eriksson, who manages a gender equality project at Stockholm's county administrative board. Its findings are the result of a collaborative effort between police in Stockholm and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency's Baltic unit.
According to the report, the organized crime networks of today have little in common with the mafia image most people are familiar with. Today's organized criminal networks more closely resemble multinational companies with their goods, services, divisions and employees. And one of the most lucrative divisions focuses on human trafficking.
The report refers to 51 attempts in the last three years to break up human trafficking operations involving prostitution in the Stockholm region. These raids showed that groups involved in human trafficking often also have connections to the weapons and drugs trades.
Marie Eriksson has proposed a number of preventive measures designed to ward battle all forms of organized crime. More financial resources should be made available, and local and regional groups involved in tackling the problem should work closer together.
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