Organised crime groups
Organised crime is defined as "those involved, normally working with others, in continuing serious criminal activities for substantial profit, whether based in the UK or elsewhere". Organised criminals that work together for the duration of a particular criminal activity or activities are what we call an organised crime group, though they’re often known simply as crime gangs.
Organised crime group structures vary. Successful organised crime groups often consist of a durable core of key individuals. Around them, there’s a cluster of subordinates, specialists, and other more transient members, plus an extended network of disposable associates.
Many groups are in practice loose networks of criminals that come together for the duration of a criminal activity, acting in different roles depending on their skills and expertise. Collaboration is reinforced by shared experiences (such as prison), or recommendation from trusted individuals. Others are bonded by family or ethnic ties – some ‘crime families’ are precisely that.
Organised criminals make use of specialists who provide a service, sometimes to a range of crime gangs. Services include transport, money laundering, debt enforcement, or the provision of false documentation (identity crime underpins a wide variety of organised criminal activities).
Violence and corruption
Violence or the threat of violence is often implicit in the activities of organised criminals. Some are willing to commit or sponsor kidnapping, attacks, and murder to protect their interests, or to recover debts. Violence also stems from personal disagreements and gang-based rivalries. In some instances, violence or intimidation is used to coerce innocent victims into facilitating crime.
Corruption has a damaging effect on public and private sector institutions where it occurs, as well as the integrity of the UK internationally. Organised criminals use corruption to get help from those with information or influence in order to protect or enhance their criminal activities. Officials in law enforcement and criminal justice agencies have access to the most useful information, and are particularly attractive to organised crime groups.
Further information
For more details on organised crime groups and the threats they pose, please see the organised crime groups section of the UK Threat Assessment (765.62 kb PDF)
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