I don't wish to start an argument about semantics here , however I've nonetheless seen conflicting definitions of organized crime which is why I'd like to make a thread about this topic .

In my humble opinion organized crime is crime that is carried out by a criminal organization . An organization can only be considered criminal if it primarily exists for the purpose of committing crime for profit and has a clearly defined hierarchy . Some refer to loosely organized networks or groups of crooks as organized crime , but I adamantly disagree with that . I mean a bunch of crooks cooperating to carry out a heist and then splitting up isn't organized crime IMO .

So what do you all think ? What constitutes organized crime ?

Commiting crimes in an organized fashion, usually for profit? More than one person conspiring and cooperating?

Why wouldn't crooks that organize and create a plan to carry out a heist and split the cash be organized crime? Sounds like it fits.

Then again, a couple of thugs run inside a liquor store with guns and demanding cash, I can't see anyone calling that organized crime. So there's a gray area there.

But when it comes to an actual organization with a defined hierarchy, then it becomes quite clear, without question organized crime.

Organized crime, wether its Cosa Nostra, Russian, Asian, Bloods, Lating Kings, Ms-13, Hells Angels, Mongols, Crips, etc., is when a group of criminals usually of the same race and from the same neighborhoods decide to operate under a brand name to commit crimes. There is strength in numbers as oppose to working solo. These guys then form a structure and set of rules in which to operate and make money. Of course, some groups are more powerful than others and some are very territorial. Just my opinion 2a

Wtf......

While we're at it, whats a "gangster"? Whats a "drug dealer"?, whats a banana?

Stop wasting peoples time....

Have organized crime when more people come together to commit crimes, the difference is that here there is a structure that allows the organization to last in time.

There's no universal definition due to various countries outlook and situations for organized crime. Despite the FBI stated definition there's been times when certain groups been identified as an Organized Crime Enterprise. I certainly disagree with their listing on their main website since its missing a few groups and the mundane "traditional" & "non traditional" case.

Black family an example of organized crime is:if few criminal create a gang for make a robbery and after everyone for his road isn't OC; if few criminal create a gang for import and distribute drugs and the gang have a clear herarchy (boss,enforcers,dealers ecc) and want that the organization last in time this is OC.
2 are the points the time and the herarchy.But it's just my opinion.

It's a quick way to get caught when you do something illegal. You have to not get caught then you have to worry about other people getting caught for the same crime or for a different crime they did without you. They get caught they will give you up. Why wouldn't they who are you to them?

https://youtu.be/kTcRRaXV-fg

@Furio,

That's the general expectation is some form of hierarchy but it's not so for some groups like Nigerian crime syndicates whom works on an ad-hoc or cliquish team.

@Dibella

Wow never seen that before and yet heard that before, here's a similar routine using the same characters but the setting of a bank: http://youtu.be/m873powgZSw

I think having a hierarchy is a good definition. Also I would say something is definitely organized crime if a group claims ownership over a certain racket. Mob and loansharking and gambling come to mind. Or claiming territory excluding other competing groups like an outlaw M.C. claiming a state or city as their territory, not allowing other clubs.

According to the RICO Act.

OC is defined as ongoing criminal organization involved in the following acts


Racketeering activity under federal law includes a number of criminal offenses, including: Bribery; sports bribery; counterfeiting; felony theft from interstate shipment; Embezzlement from Pension and Welfare funds; extortionate credit transactions; Fraud relating to identification documents; fraud relating to access devices; transmission of gambling information; Mail Fraud; wire fraud; financial institution fraud; citizenship or naturalization fraud; obscene matter; Obstruction of Justice; obstruction of criminal investigation; obstruction of state or local law enforcement; witness tampering; retaliation against witness; interference with commerce, bribery, or extortion; interstate transportation in aid of racketeering; interstate transportation of wagering paraphernalia; unlawful welfare fund payments; prohibition of illegal gambling business; Money Laundering; monetary transactions in property derived from unlawful activities; murder for hire; sexual exploitation of children; interstate transportation of stolen motor vehicles; interstate transportation of stolen property; sale of stolen goods; trafficking in motor vehicles and parts; trafficking in contraband cigarettes; white slave traffic; restrictions of payments and loans to labor organizations; embezzlement from union funds; Bankruptcy fraud; fraud in the sale of Securities; felonious manufacture, importation, receiving, concealment, buying, selling, or otherwise dealing in narcotic or other dangerous drugs; and any act that is indictable under the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act.

I don't think this topic is a waste of time , because there clearly are different opinions as to what constitutes organized crime . For example some people refer to groups of criminals that get together to pull off a job and then split up as organized crime , while others ( myself included ) don't .

Anyways this forum is dedicated to the topic of organized crime ,which is why I thought it would be good to get the opinion of others as to what constitutes organized crime . I'm honestly not trying to troll here or anything .