NCJ Number
197012
Date Published
July 2001
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This bulletin presents a brief overview of organized crime in Canada, specifically its economic impact, recent organized crime incidents, organized crime groups, Federal Government involvement and actions, and initiatives in the fight against organized crime.
Abstract
In identifying the concern of the Canadian public, this bulletin attempts to encapsulate some of the elements pertaining to organized crime and measures to combat the problem offering a comprehensive perception of organized crime in Canada. Organized crime is viewed as undermining the social fabric of Canada and the health and safety of its communities. Its economic costs are tremendous with legitimate businesses suffering due to competing businesses using laundered money. Today, the most notorious organized crime groups in Canada are biker gangs, such as Hell’s Angels, Bandidos, Outlaws, and the Red Devils. The bulletin presents and discusses several bills enacted from 1996 to 2000 under the Federal Government of Canada, as well as the organization of several committees and holding forums in an attempt to combat organized crime. The measures introduced to fight organized crime in Canada include: (1) addressing jurisdictional disputes potentially causing some of the difficulties in combating organized crime; (2) decriminalizing or legalizing certain markets reducing the income for organized crime groups; and (3) prostitution and marijuana could be controlled and regulated through taxes. Appendices