Lesson #14: Overview of Organised Crime Investigations

In the new global age, borders have opened up, you can now drive through most European countries and never have to stop for immigration or customs, trade barriers have fallen and information speeds around the world at the touch of a button. The influence of organised crime within newly emerging democracies, especially countries formed after the collapse of the former Soviet Union, has been substantial with Kosovo’s separation from the influence of Serbia, criminal groups have been quick to take advantage of the lack of government infrastructure, especially law enforcement.

During this time of confusion and lack of authority, Organised Crime gets a foothold in the local community by providing some basic needs, especially food, fuel, and other services for people that no one else seems to be able to provide. These goods and services provided by black market organisations, are usually at a much higher cost. Once these activities are established, they begin to provide more illicit goods and services.

The goal of this lesson is to provide the participants with the explanation of some basic „organised crime” terms, with the types of organised crime criminal offences according to valid legislation in Kosovo and with the current situation of organised crime and money laundering in Kosovo.

At the conclusion of this lesson, the participants will be able to:

1. Define the term „Organised Crime”
2. Explain the difference beetwen „trafficking in persons” and „smuggling of migrants"
3. Explain the the term „illicit trafficking in firearms, their parts and components and ammunition”
4. Define the term „Corruption”
5. Define the term „bribery”
6. Explain the term „Money Laundering”
7. List the seven (7) offences which will be presented in this course as „organised crime offences”
8. Become familiar with organised crime in Kosovo
9. Become familiar with „money laundering” in Kosovo
10. Become familiar with the influence of organised crime within law enforcement