The Economic Impact Of Organized Crime In The United States

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Organized crime has been ongoing the United States since the eighteen hundreds. Since then there has been countless murders, kidnappings, and thefts in the country. Much of the crime that has happened in the nation is because of organized crime. From street gangs to the cartel to different mafia groups, organized crime has many different faces but is all the same. The motivation in these groups is sourced from fear along with the drive for power and control. These groups grasp for power in whatever way they can. The largest example of organized crime is the Italian-American mafia called La Casa Nostra. This group is where the term mafia first originated. La Casa Nostra reached it peak in the nineteen fifties and is still active to this day. …show more content…

This includes a wide range of criminal activities, such as drug trafficking, money laundering, extortion, and human trafficking. Organized crime groups are often involved in these activities because they are highly profitable and provide a source of power and influence. The impact of organized crime on crime rates in the US is significant. In many urban areas, gang violence is a leading cause of violent crime. This has a devastating impact on communities, as innocent bystanders are caught in the crossfire and law-abiding citizens are forced to live in fear. The economic impact of organized crime is also significant, as it creates a black market economy that is often linked to other criminal activities, such as fraud and identity theft. Organized crime groups are also involved in a range of white-collar crimes. These crimes often involve sophisticated financial schemes that defraud individuals and businesses out of billions of dollars each year. This has a significant impact on the economy, as it undermines trust in the financial system and erodes the confidence of investors and consumers. That being said, organized crime does pose a significant threat to public safety and can have far-reaching consequences, such as contributing to drug addiction and fueling violence in communities. Law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and local levels work to combat organized crime through various …show more content…

For example, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act allows law enforcement agencies to prosecute individuals who engage in organized crime activities. The act also allows for the forfeiture of assets obtained through illegal activities. The FBI estimates that organized crime groups generate billions of dollars each year from illegal activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, and racketeering. This wealth allows them to fund their operations and corrupt public officials, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to bring them to justice. As a result, organized crime groups are able to continue their illegal activities and victimize more people. The US government spends a significant amount of money on law enforcement agencies to combat organized crime. This includes the salaries of police officers, the cost of investigations, and the cost of incarceration.
In addition, organized crime groups engage in a range of activities that result in lost tax revenue for the government. For example, drug trafficking and other illegal activities generate income that is not reported to the IRS. This deprives the government of much-needed revenue that could be used to fund social programs and other