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Organised crime actor

Organised crime covers crimes committed by a group whose aim is to make money through illegal activities. 

These groups abuse the financial and economic system. They remain active by bribing public officials and using intimidation, threats and violence to protect their activities. 

Note: a perpetrator or actor doesn't have causes or effects, but motives and methods. Therefore, the causes and effects listed here should be interpreted accordingly.

What can you do?

Before

  • Do not be tempted to commit crime in order to make (illicit) money.  
  • Do not be tempted by illegal products. 

During

Report any suspected serious offences to the police. 

Impact and probability

The figures relating to probability and impact describe organised crime of extreme magnitude. The BNRA theoretically describes such a scenario as follows: 

  • A group or organisation with an international network, such as the Mafia or drug cartels.  
  • These organisations surround themselves with top financial and technical experts, who earn more than they would from the authorities or conventional companies.  
  • These organisations have a high degree of internal cohesion (omerta) and may be perceived by some members of the population as an alternative to the authorities.  
  • These groups use physical violence and intimidation to threaten high-ranking officials and politicians, giving them an aura of impunity.  

How should you interpret these results

Within the BNRA, experts assessed three scenarios for each risk: considerable, major or extreme. On each page, you will find the results of the scenario with the highest score based on the combination of likelihood and impact. This does not mean that this scenario will occur or is the most likely. Read more here about how to correctly interpret the results.

 

Probability

Moderate

Human impact

Weak

Societal impact

Weak

Environmental impact

No impact

Financial impact

Weak

What do the authorities do?

The Federal Police and judicial services have specific missions in the fight against organised crime. They support the partners, conduct surveys and exchange information.