ACTIVITIES OF ORGANIZED CRIME WITH A SPECIAL FOCUS ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Abstract

In contemporary times, there is a consensus that the increasingly prominent problem of organized crime must be addressed through the cooperation of competent institutions on an international level, as it has long demonstrated that national borders are not significant obstacles. Organized criminal groups are guided solely by financial interests and are prepared to commit various criminal acts, including human trafficking, drug trafficking, arms trafficking, money laundering, and similar offenses. These groups are founded on a well-organized internal structure in which all members have clearly defined roles. Given that organized crime has a detrimental effect on many aspects of society, it is unsurprising that experts from various scientific fields, such as law, economics, sociology, philosophy, and others, study this phenomenon. This paper focuses on human trafficking, a segment of organized crime that has been experiencing significant expansion in recent times. Human trafficking is an international criminal offense that violates fundamental human rights guaranteed by numerous legal instruments. It has been present in all stages of human civilization and will undoubtedly persist in the future. The goal of this paper is to define organized crime more precisely, with a particular emphasis on human trafficking in the context of its development and the forms it manifests. To this end, the author first addresses organized crime and its main characteristics. Specifically, the paper highlights its omnipresence in the XXI century and emphasizes the circumstances that further enable criminals to carry out illegal activities continuously. The author examines the detrimental influence of mass media and globalization processes, which have significantly contributed to the expansion of organized criminal activities. Regarding human trafficking, the paper first presents it as a constant companion of societal development in ancient and medieval times, as well as in the present day. Particular attention is given to its current state, as it represents one of the criminal activities that generate substantial profits for organized crime groups. Numerous circumstances lead to individuals becoming victims of human trafficking, with the most prominent being poverty, migration, unemployment, and armed conflicts. Difficult living conditions significantly contribute to individuals becoming easy targets for organized crime groups, which exploit them in various ways. The author specifically highlights types of exploitation and defines the characteristics of each (e.g., sexual, labor-related, etc.). The main intention is for the research results to emphasize the seriousness of human trafficking as a global threat by illustrating its devastating impact on the stability of society. Furthermore, the author aims to highlight that current global circumstances significantly provide fertile ground for the emergence of organized crime. As evidence, the paper warns of the pervasive glorification of crime in mass media and on the Internet, which serve as primary sources of information for all generations. Accordingly, criticisms directed at police, prosecution, and judicial bodies for allegedly inefficiently combating, prosecuting, and sanctioning human trafficking should not be entirely accepted. This is because there are circumstances, absent in earlier times, that further complicate their work. In conclusion, the author points out that globalization has brought many advantages to everyday life but also has a dark side: it provides the ideal terrain for organized crime groups to thrive. Finally, the author emphasizes that Europe is particularly affected by human trafficking, as migrants view its territory as a region offering promising living conditions. Unfortunately, this causes some of them to fall victim to human trafficking.