Popular Support Mechanisms: “Enablers” of Criminal Activity

Experts on transnational crime generally agree that rapid globalization and increasingly sophisticated technology have been at the root of increased transnational criminal activities since the 1990s. That increase has been fueled by popular support mechanisms that have allowed transnational criminals to operate almost unchecked in countries hospitable to such crimes and to flourish even in countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, that are engaged in well-organized efforts to block such activities. Corruption and government inaction are key requirements for attracting transnational crime networks to a given country.

Members of transnational crime groups often depend on intermediaries that provide support for their activities. Support may be provided by corrupt politicians, judges, lawyers, law-enforcement personnel, or insiders at various financial institutions. It may also ...