Transnational Crime In The Developing World

This is a new and detailed 68 page report just released by Global Financial Integrity in February of 2011. For more on this group go here: www.gfip.org...

For a quick definition of "transnational crime" go here: en.wikipedia.org...


From the report's Executive Summary:

"This report analyzes the scale, flow, profit distribution, and impact of 12 different types of illicit
trade: drugs, humans, wildlife, counterfeit goods and currency, human organs, small arms,
diamonds and colored gemstones, oil, timber, fish, art and cultural property, and gold. Though
the specific characteristics of each market vary, in general it can be said that these profitable and
complex criminal operations originate primarily in developing countries, thrive in the space created
by poverty, inequality, and state weakness, and contribute to forestalling economic prosperity for
billions of people in countries across the world."

"The global illicit flow of goods, guns, people, and natural resources is estimated at approximately
$650 billion. Though data is scarce and experts are constantly debating the relative merits and
weaknesses of every new study, it is generally accepted that illicit drug trafficking and counterfeiting are the two most valuable markets. This report finds the illicit drug trade to be worth roughly $320 billion and counterfeiting $250 billion. These numbers reflect the potential for huge profits which is the fundamental driver of criminal trade."

For more information and to read the complete report go here: www.gfip.org...