Organized Crime
The History
Organized crime in the United States began in the early 19th century. Irish, Italian, and Eastern European Jewish immigrants living in urban ghettos formed street gangs and crime syndicates in order to achieve the American dream in the shortest amount of time possible. Robbery, extortion, counterfeiting and other illegal activities provided the means for them to live.
Five families dominated organized crime activities, these include the Bonnano, Columbo, Gambino, Genovese, and Luchese families who were all based in New York. In New Jersey, the DeCavalcante family was, and is, rooted in organized crime. Although not as large as some of their New York counterparts, they were and are still influential.
Organized crime has shifted immensely from its beginnings. Although traditional Mafia activities still take place, transnational organized crime groups have become more prolific.
Current Trends
The faces of organized crime may have changed through the years, but the purpose is the same: to use planned criminal acts to profit financially. Although the founding crime families are still active, groups from around the globe are now the primary focus of the FBI and pose the most financial risk to the United States.
There are a number of Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) threats, but a few examples include:
African TOC Groups: These have developed quickly due to globalization and the advances in technology. Nigerian criminal enterprises are the most significant of these groups and operate in over 80 countries worldwide. They are primarily involved in drug trafficking and financial fraud, including a number of internet-related scams.
Art Crime: The theft, fraud and forgery, looting, and trafficking of art and cultural property across state and international borders has become a major criminal issue with estimated losses in the billions each year. The FBI has even established the National Stolen Art File (NSAF), which is an index of stolen art and cultural property that has been reported to the FBI throughout the US and globally.
Middle Eastern TOC Groups: These groups have been active in the United States since the 1970s. Typical crimes include automobile theft, financial fraud, money laundering, smuggling, drug trafficking, healthcare fraud, and identity theft. Small storefronts are commonly used as bases for these criminal activities.
These organized crime examples are only a few that pose a threat to our national as well as international security. Most of these TOC groups are using technology to aid their illicit activities, either committing cyber crimes themselves or using cyber tools to facilitate other crimes. Technology also enables TOC groups to engage in traditional criminal activity, such as illegal gambling, but with a greater reach.
Penalties for Organized Crime
Organized crime cases often involve special sentencing options because of the serious nature of many of the crimes committed, as well as the fact that many of the offenders are repeat or career criminals. Sentences for Transnational Organized Crime groups are usually harsher than a group only operating in one country.
In the United States, The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 established the “Three Strikes” statute that provides for mandatory life imprisonment if a convicted felon:
- Has been convicted in federal court of a “serious violent felony”; and
- Has two or more previous convictions in federal or state courts, at least one of which is a “serious violent felony” (the other offense may be a serious drug offense).
A “serious violent felony” includes murder, manslaughter, sex offenses, kidnapping, and robbery. A “serious drug offense” includes continuing criminal enterprise, violations of Title 21 involving distribution, manufacture, or possession with intent to distribute significant quantities of controlled substances, or equivalent state offenses and can also fall under the “Three Strikes” statute.
If You’re Accused of Participating in Organized Crime
If you or someone you know has been accused of participating in organized crime in any way, it is a very serious accusation that cannot be taken lightly. Enlisting the help of a knowledgeable, experienced criminal defense attorney is critical to your defense.
The team of lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert J. DeGroot knows how to approach an organized crime accusation. They will learn all the facts of your case and craft the best defense possible to help you win your case.
If you are facing an organized crime accusation, trust the team at the Law Offices of Robert J. DeGroot to help you defend against the charges! Reach out to us today!
