The “dark net”, bitcoins and the increasing sophistication of online drug sales

The “dark net”, bitcoins and the increasing sophistication of online drug sales

The online marketplace for illicit drugs is becoming larger and more brazen, now capitalizing on technological advancements in private web transactions and virtual online currency to protect the identities of suppliers, consumers and website administrators. Buyers and sellers are connecting online via so-called “dark net” sites (The term “dark net” refers to a distribution network of users, obscured by encryption technology, and anonymized by hidden IP addresses.

Firearms trafficking

Firearms trafficking

The illicit trafficking and misuse of firearms is intrinsically linked to criminal organizations and networks: as facilitators of violent crimes, as tools to perpetrate power, and as lucrative trafficking commodities, that fuels armed conflicts, crime and insecurity. Oftentimes, different forms of criminality are intertwined, such as human, firearms and drugs trafficking.

Cocaine trafficking

Cocaine trafficking

Cocaine manufacture and trafficking have had a serious impact in the Western hemisphere. Cocaine use is relatively concentrated in the Americas, Europe and Oceania, and practically all of the world’s cocaine is produced in three countries in South America.

Human trafficking

Human trafficking

Human trafficking is a truly global phenomenon, which affect almost all countries in the world. Two thirds of victims are woman, as nearly 4/5 of the victims were subjected to sexual exploitation.

Sudden geopolitical or economic shifts, such as the end of the Cold War, the integration of China into the world economy or violent conflicts like the Yugoslav Wars, wars in Africa, Asia, etc. - create profit opportunities for human traffickers.

Heroin trafficking

Heroin trafficking

The origin of most of the world’s heroin is concentrated in a handful of provinces in embattled Afghanistan. Аround 90% of the global heroin supply comes from opium poppy cultivated in Afghanistan, and the majority of this is consumed in Europe, the Russian Federation and countries on route to these destinations. In 2013 there is evidence that Afghan heroin is increasingly reaching new markets, such as Oceania and South-East Asia.

Why organized crime is so dangerous?

Why organized crime is so dangerous?

In the past quarter century (namely, since the end of the Cold War), global governance has failed to keep pace with economic globalization. Therefore, as unprecedented openness in trade, finance, travel and communication has created economic growth and well-being, it has also given rise to massive opportunities for criminals to make their business prosper.

Organized Crime

Organized Crime

Organized crime threatens peace and human security, violates human rights and undermines economic, social, cultural, political and civil development of societies around the world.