NCJ Number
204377
Date Published
2004
Length
53 pages
Annotation
This chapter describes the development of organized crime in Ukraine and discusses the efforts to curb the activities of organized criminal networks.
Abstract
Organized crime in Ukraine has become a significant political and economic force, moving into the country in the wake of the political and economic unrest that has gripped the country as it transitions from a socialist to a democratic nation. This chapter has four main sections. The first section examines the origins and expansion of organized crime in Ukraine, which has also plagued other states of the former Soviet Union. Most of the growth in organized crime in this region is attributed to the post-Soviet transition from a socialist society to a democratic society with a market economy. The political and economic unrest caused by this major transition set the stage for criminal groups to seize control of business and governmental apparatuses with little or no interference from government law enforcement. Second, the chapter identifies the major forms of organized crime in Ukraine and analyzes variations in organized crime in different cities and regions of Ukraine. The four main types of organized crime operating in Ukraine are identified as “comrade criminals;” traditional, domestic criminal organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and ethnic organized criminal groups (often referred to as gangs). Key characteristics of organized crime include links between political and administrative leaders and criminals; the prevalence of violence; the infiltration of economic sectors; the infiltration of law enforcement agencies; and a diverse portfolio of criminal activities. Major criminal activities of crime groups include arms trafficking, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and car theft. The third section analyzes the crime fighting initiatives of the Ukrainian government and identifies the problems inherent in law enforcement efforts to curb organized crime. The Soviet period, although gone for a decade now, still heavily influences the way law and order is carried out in Ukraine. Challenges facing law enforcement include coordination, communication, a lack of resources and infrastructure within the criminal justice system, and corruption. The final section of the chapter offers recommendations for enhancing efforts to combat organized crime. A comprehensive strategic approach is necessary to combat organized crime in this region. Specific recommendations include enhancing state capacity, enhancing intelligence-led policing, and extending international cooperation. References