Key findngs: Given the nature of organised crime, it is difficult to monitor and accurately measure its prevalence and economic impact. Some of the literature notes that while levels of organised crime have increased in some regions/countries and decreased in others, its global scale remains roughly the same. However, some experts claim that organised crime is on the increase at the global level, in line with financial globalisation, corruption, and the expansion of the shadow economy. Organised crime usually involves the complicity or direct involvement of the public sector; and organised criminal groups gain power and resources from the shadow economy, while also investing in it.
Some experts suggest that organised crime can prove beneficial to economic growth, even if the gains are routed through the shadow economy. Others adopt a more nuanced approach – arguing that while small levels of organised crime can contribute to economic growth, high levels can hinder development and weaken the economy. It is important to note that while organised crime can contribute to poor governance and hamper development, it is also poor governance, and especially, weak rule of law and state illegality, that allows organised crime to flourish. These issues are mutually reinforcing. As such, organised crime needs to be addressed by approaches that focus not only on criminalisation, but also on the strengthening of governance and promotion of development.
