THE CHALLENGE
Transnational organised crime (TOC) is increasingly recognised as presenting a systemic threat to communities, states and the environment across the globe. Sophisticated and adaptable organised crime groups and networks exploit rapid technological change, conflict, political instability, poverty and even public health crises in order to source, transport and sell illicit goods and services across borders.
In most contexts, the harms caused or exacerbated by TOC are borne overwhelmingly by the poorest communities and most vulnerable individuals, in particular through the violence associated with drug trafficking and the exploitation wrought by human trafficking and modern slavery.
The pernicious effects of TOC are also manifest at a societal level, in terms of damage to the economy through cybercrime, fraud and money laundering, as well as the erosion of public confidence in the rule of law and institutions through corruption.
OUR RESPONSE
The Azure Forum helps to address these challenges by providing independent, evidence-based and solutions-oriented research on different aspects of transnational organised crime.
Our analysis is particularly focussed on identifying:
- Emerging and future trends in transnational organised crime, whether at national, regional or global scale
- Cross-cutting enablers that facilitate various forms of serious criminality
- The interdependencies between illicit markets and wider political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legislative factors
- Linkages with other key threats to national and global peace and security
- Integrated strategic, institutional and policy responses
Our approach is collaborative and interdisciplinary. We strive to incorporate diverse insights from partners across academia, civil society, community groups, government, the judicial system, law enforcement, private industry and beyond.
Cumulatively, our work aims to build an effective whole-of-society approach to the complex and interconnected challenges posed by transnational organised crime.
