NCJ Number
196874
Journal
Jane's Intelligence Review Volume: 14 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2002 Pages: 26-29
Editor(s)
Christopher C. Aaron
Date Published
September 2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the involvement of both loyalist and republican terrorist groups with organized crime in the province of Northern Ireland, specifically the financing of terrorist activities through organized crime.
Abstract
This report focuses on the emerging patterns of criminal activity in the province of Northern Ireland and the financing of terrorist activities through the support of organized crime. In Northern Ireland, consistent evidence has been reported through the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), during the peace process, that loyalist and republican terrorist groups have continued to raise funds through organized crime. PSNI investigations related to the terrorists groups are discussed in the areas of counterfeit goods, crossborder smuggling, armed robbery, drugs, and racketeering and extortion. In 2001, the United Kingdom’s Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) was formed as a multi-agency approach to understanding the different patterns of criminal activity from these terrorist groups. The OCTF created interagency expert groups tasked with identifying key players associated with specific strands of organized crime. In addition, the security minister initiated a campaign to forge closer links with the Northern Ireland province’s business community to help the OCTF assess the true extent of the racketeering problem. In order to be successful, the OCTF must address a number of significant challenges, such as the PSNI’s manpower difficulties, more resources for witness protection programs, and the prevention of jury intimidation.