Mains Marathon 2024

Approach Define Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) and its global nature Discuss Key Characteristics of Transnational Organized Crime Explain the implications of transnational organized crime in India. Conclude Suitably.

Introduction

Organised crime is defined as illegal activities carried out by groups or networks working together, often involving violence, corruption, or related actions to gain financial or material benefits.Transnational organised crime (TOC) occurs when activities or groups operate in multiple countries.

Body

TOC characterizes a broad spectrum of illegal activities:

• Money Laundering: It disguises financial assets to use them without detection of the illegal activity that produced them. Criminals transform the proceeds of criminal activity into funds with a seemingly legal source.
  • The estimated amount of money laundered globally exceeds 2% to 5% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
• Drug Trafficking: It continues to be the most lucrative form of business for criminals,
  • Global drug trafficking is estimated to be worth USD 650 billion, contributing 30% of the overall illicit economy.
• Human Trafficking: A global crime where men, women, and children are used for sexual or labour-based exploitation.
  • Human traffickers are in it for the money, with estimated annual global profits of USD 150 billion.
  • They victimise an estimated 25 million people worldwide, with 80% in forced labour and 20% in sex trafficking.
• Smuggling of Migrants: A well-organised business moving people around the globe through criminal networks, groups, and routes.
  • In 2009, USD 6.6 billion was generated through the illegal smuggling of 3 million migrants from Latin America to North America.
• Illicit Firearms Trafficking: Arms trafficking or gunrunning is the illicit trade of contraband small arms, explosives, and ammunition, which constitutes part of a broad range of illegal activities often associated with transnational criminal organisations.
  • Brings in around USD 170 million to USD 320 million annually.
• Trafficking in Natural Resources: It involves the trade of non-renewable resources like minerals and fuels, and renewable resources like wildlife(skins and body parts for export to foreign markets), forestry, and fishery.
  • This trade is often called an "environmental crime" by international organisations.
  • The sale of elephant ivory, rhino horn and tiger parts in Asia alone was worth an estimated US USD 75 million in 2010.
• Fraudulent Medicines: These include counterfeit medicines and medicines diverted from legal and regulated supply chains.
  • Instead of curing people, fraudulent medicines can result in death or cause resistance to drugs used to treat deadly infectious diseases.
• Cybercrime and Identity Theft: Criminals exploit the Internet to steal private data, access bank accounts, and fraudulently obtain payment card details.

The implications of transnational organized crime in India :

• Border Security: Smuggling operations exploit India's extensive and often poorly monitored borders.
  • Pakistan-based groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LET), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JEM), Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami (HUJI), and Harakat-ul-Mujahideen (HUM) operate from across the Line of Control (LOC), engaging in militant activities within J&K.
• Terrorism: Some TOC groups are linked to terrorist activities, using their networks to fund and support extremist movements.
  • Terrorist organisations in various parts of India source their funding from various channels, including donors in the Persian Gulf, state sponsors, handlers, and the Hawala system.
• Surge in Cybercrime Incidents: In 2024, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) reported an alarming surge in cybercrime, with an average of 7,000 daily complaints
• Increased Violence: The criminal activities associated with TOC contribute to rising violence and crime rates.
  • According to the NCRB report, in 2022, across India, a total of 2,250 cases of human trafficking were registered and 6,036 victims were identified, of which 2,878 were children, including 1,059 girls
• Corruption: TOC networks often engage in bribery and corruption, undermining public trust and the effectiveness of institutions.
  • India ranked 93 out of 180 countries on the corruption perceptions index for 2023, according to a Transparency International report.
• Loss of Revenue: Illegal activities deprive the government of tax revenues and undermine legitimate businesses.
  • The Crime in India report disclosed that government authorities confiscated fake Indian currency notes (FICN) totaling over Rs.342 crore in 2022.
• Enforcement Difficulties: Law enforcement agencies struggle with limited resources and jurisdictional constraints in dealing with transnational operations.

Conclusion

Transnational Organized Crime in India is a multifaceted issue with far-reaching implications for security, economy, and society. Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive approach that includes strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing international cooperation, and investing in targeted law enforcement strategies. By tackling these aspects, India can better safeguard its national interests and promote stability.