The Online Drug Trade

The idea of International drug smuggling is nothing new to the world, but with increased police cooperation, it is interesting to see how the world of drugs is evolving into the modern era.  Something I have recently heard of is the “Silk Road.”  This is an underground website where you can buy any drug you want.  Using a difficult URL that will not come up in a simple google search, the website uses anonymity and reputation based service like amazon or ebay to ship drugs throughout the world.  The only money accepted is Bitcoins, a “cypto-currency” that function as a new form of currency not issued by governments or banks.  Bitcoins fluctuate like regular currency and are untraceable in online purchases, unlike checks or credit cards.  This concept of downloading and trading digital currency is still difficult for me to comprehend, but it works by finding a server that issues Bitcoins for a price, such as ‘Mt. Gox Bitcoin Exchange.’  Even though Bitcoins are used to buy more than just drugs on the internet, the anonymity they create for people makes Bitcoins perfect for illegal activities.  This concept of untraceable money is championed by Libertarians and Anarchists who do not think the government has the right to stop people from doing something that isn’t violent.  This is new technology has the power to replace the way we think about international crime.  Although it will most likely be a long time before the major importers and exporters of illegal substances will go online to ship eights of weed, and tabs of acid through the US mail, this internet phenomena has caught on.  A few of my personal associates have claimed they have used to Silk Road for purchases and were happy with the service provided them, although they did express some complaint about the amount of time it took to download Bitcoins onto their personal computer to use in future transactions.  It sounds tempting, but for now, I think I will continue to get my drugs in the alleyway from a guy named Jesus.    

 

http://kotaku.com/5805928/the-underground-website-where-you-can-buy-any-drug-imaginable

Spain Cracks Down on Cyber Network Criminals

For week 3, I decided to write about cyber crime as a current transnational crime occurring around the world. I will focus on how Spain officials cracked down on the Russian criminals. 

I gathered my information from an article found on the New York Times website in addition to a posting on Europol's website. Both sources reported on an event that happened in February of this year. The article from the New York Times was titled " Cybercrime Network Based in Spain is Broken Up." This article was written by Raphael Minder. 

Minder explains how Russian cybercriminals were successful in persuading vast numbers of Europeans  from over 30 countries to fall victim to their trickery. They fooled so many people by using a computer software program called Ransomware that allowed criminals to send fake police messages to civilians. These police messages would inform the victim that they had been caught doing some form of illegal downloading online. This message would also lock the victim’s computer until they paid 100 Euros (136$). Even though not all were fooled by this message and some were able to find ways to unlock their computer with out paying, the Russian criminals made an estimated 1.3 million dollars from the 3% they successfully convinced. 

Spain was able to dismantle these criminals by arresting the head of the pursuit, in December, along with 10 other people in February. "The Spanish police arrested six Russians, two Ukrainians and two Georgians along the Costa del Sol, a popular vacation destination in southern Spain, where the criminals are believed to have had their main base of operations." The Spanish police confiscated 200 credit cards, computers and 26,000 Euros from the Russian criminals on the day they were captured. In addition, the Spanish Ministry set up a website to help victims disable the virus. 

This transnational crime fits Professor Burch’s description from the PowerPoint. The Russian criminals were not trying to draw attention to themselves, had economic goals and felt no need to articulate any kind of political goals. They also threatened human and individual security more than national security, and used corruption over violence.

If you would like to read more on Spain’s success in finding the Russian criminals, the Europol article can be found at: “Police DismantleProlific Ransomware Cybercriminal Network”

The Russian mafia is considered one of the most dangerous groups in the world, and is without doubt the largest criminal organization today. Some people estimate their numbers are in excess of 300,000 members, and the list of their illegal acts is out the door. They are involved in countless crimes such as extortion, drug trafficking, auto theft, trafficking in stolen art, money laundering, contract killings, arms dealing, trading nuclear material, prostitution, oil deals and many others.

Transnational Crime: Illegal Fishing

            Maritime security has been a constant battle since the time the ships made the first voyages across oceans or in international waters. In today’s world, international institutions have joined forces to help to ensure the security of our waters. In addition to independent states coast guard, international organizations such as Greenpeace, International Crisis Group, and Sea Shepherd, ensure enforcement of multinational agreements on the high seas. 

Triads and Tribulations: The Worldwide Effects of Organized Crime and Money Laundering

Transnational criminal groups (TCGs) present an interesting problem for the international community. They operate without boarders, engaging in a wide range of illicit activities from human trafficking to cyber crime to money laundering. Often time's these groups, especially the largest ones have thousands and thousands of members all working to grow the organization and make it more successful. Most TCG's are known for their horrendous actions concerning murder, drug and human trafficking, and corruption, however I would like to cover one of the most important operations that TCG's engage in: money laundering. Without this important process, TCG's would have a difficult time utilizing all of their wealth gained from illicit activities, and the negative affects it has on the world are quite remarkable.

Illegal Animal Trade

For decades now, the trade of illegal animals and animal parts has been happening across international borders, mainly in Africa and Asia. Animal trafficking is similar to drug and arms trafficking and can make someone, or a group, very wealthy. A huge part of the animal trafficking business is the trade of ivory. According to World Wild Life, in 2011, 23 metric tons of ivory was seized. Thats equivalent to 2500 elephants. The sad part is, that was only one seize in 2011. There a numerous more people and groups getting away with successfully trading ivory for large profits.

Other illegal animal trafficking involves tigers, cheetahs, monkeys, and turtles to name only a few. People see a value in these animals, whether it be their skin or shells, and want to put them on black market. Endangered species sell especially high just because having part of that endangered species is seen as a sign of wealth.

One of the main ways people transport these exotic animals across borders is by flying. Because London's Heathrow airport is a popular transfer airport in Europe, Marc Owen head of the UK Border Agency Operations at Heathrow, says each endangered animal that is transported through Heathrow should have a special marking, like a microchip. This microchip makes it easy to track the animal and helps prevent illegal selling and trading of the animal. Isaac (below), a cheetah from South Africa was being transported to Russia but was seized in Heathrow because he had a missing microchip. Isaac is being kept at a UK wildlife park while his investigation continues.  

The cruel treatment and death of these beautiful animals for either their tusks or skins or just money is hard to accept. Nothing should ever be treated like some organizations treat these helpless animals. "The planet's most majestic species are being massacred for nothing nobler than vacation trinkets, hangover remedies and false promises of miracle cancer cures," said Carter Roberts, President and CEO of WWF-US. 

On a brighter note, there are measures being taken to try and get rid of animal trafficking. Recently Thailand's Prime Minister announced Thailand would end their sales of ivory. With Thailand being a country with a huge exotic animal population, this is a huge step towards getting rid of animal crime. President Obama was recently in Africa and has vowed to help stop animal trafficking, presenting $10 million for the necessary training to combat African wildlife trafficking. "Poaching and trafficking is threatening Africa's wildlife" said Obama during his visit to Tanzania. With the involvement of Obama and the United States, this is yet another huge step to stopping or reducing illegal animal trafficking. The best way to help end animal crime across international borders is to spread the world and keep people educated on the subject. With more people involved around the world, supporting the end of animal trafficking, there is hope that these beautiful animals will never have to be killed just for someone to make a profit. 

Mexico and the human security problem they face with the drug cartels

According to cnn there was a clash in Mexico that left 22 people dead and fifteen injured. This has been happening since the crack down that lead Mexico and the United States to focus there forces on the drug trade and clean it up.

 This is a very high amount that perished in Mexico and we have seen stuff like this in the headlines since 2006,
According to the Business Insider Felipe Caldron who was the president at the time of the crack down sent 50,000 soldiers to battle the cartels in 2006. This tactic to curb the drug trade and the corrupt officials have lead to more than 55,000 deaths. That is an astonishing number considering that in Syria which is officially in a  civil war  has caused about 100,000 deaths according to the UN. There have been a number of public execution along with disappearances that have left the public in astonishment by how these acts have been committed. According to the Business Insider 49 corpses were decapitated in public and dumb in the high way in northern Mexico.

In addition to the public display of corpses the drug cartels have been involved with over five thousand disappearances since the war start on drugs in 2006. 
With these numbers I don't see an end to this war on drugs. This is where human security comes in and whether or not Mexico and protect its citizens from the crimes of the criminals. Does Mexico have an end plan? Can things getter better? Maybe Mexico and there citizens were better off before this step up on drugs and corruption. Less deaths were involved. This war has made Mexico look like a weaker state then it already was, but not all blame goes on them. What about the United States and there demand for the drugs. Can that be stopped? Only time will tell, but until then Mexico faces an uphill batter with human security.

Organized Crime in Thailand's Tourism Industry

According to ETN Global Travel Industry News, Thai Tourism and Sports Minister Somsak Pureesrisak has taken a stance against rampant organized crime present in the state’s tourism industry, and particularly across the island of Phuket. On Friday it was reported that Minister Somsak called for an end to the “age-old” Phuket practice of holding foreigners’ passports as a condition for renting motorbikes, cars, and jet-skis.

Yakuza and International Strategies

The Yakuza and International Strategies to stop them

After doing the readings and watching the various documentaries on international crime and organized crime around the world I became very interested in the dealings of the Yakuza, the Japanese crime syndicates.  I spent last summer in Tokyo and I the view of the yakuza I have, through the lens of my Japanese friends is a highly romanticized ideal of the Yakuza.  They seem to represent a unique “screw you” attitude that is refreshing in a nation that is based so strongly on following a predefined societal path.  But after doing a little research it become clear that while the yakuza may seem cool they are highly dangerous and are posing problems not just at home but abroad as well.

The US has begun an active campaign to, in the words of the Obama administration,   "target transnational criminal organisations and isolate them from the global financial system”.  Several key members of the Yakuza have had their American assets frozen and the goal is to freeze them out of the international market place, where they have been key players in everything from drug smuggling to human trafficking.  The Yakuza have around 80,000 registered members, easily the largest organized syndicates in the world and it wasn’t until recently that they have been cracked down on at home.  The laws in Japan have always been vague and soft when it came to the Yakuza, they were allowed to operate with very little interference.  Traditional Yakuza crime included prostitution and exstortion, but as times change and the money moves they have spread their influence into many other sectors.  They are now participating in predatory loans, as well as construction, while still employing their traditional intimidation and extortion.  They have been tied to drug trafficking into Japan as well as prostitution rings internationally.  At least in the US, prostitution is illegal, but it is difficult to prosecute across international boundaries.  That leaves the US government with very few options.  It still remains to be seen if financial exclusion will be enough to reign in Yakuza activity internationally.  The Yakuza will always have a romanticized image and as long as they have the hearts of the people, they will be very difficult to stop. 

The Crackdown of Colombian Cartels

Ever since President Álvaro Uribe took office in 2002, the drug cartels in Colombia have been on their heels. After 30 years of terror and control, the cartels are a shell of their former organization, and have continued to fragment into smaller organizations. The DEA and the Colombian National police have continued to keep the pressure on the cartels, and while they are still in operation, they do not have near the strength they did even 10 years ago. 

Cyber Security: A Call to Arms

It doesn't take much to find stories about cyber attacks; phishing, identity theft, stolen credit card numbers are all symptoms of a critical issue in today's world: cyber security. With the advent of the internet, it has become easier and easier to steal personal info, or to unknowingly give it to someone who will use it to wreak havoc on your life.

Photo courtesy of inserbia.info

I'm proposing a call to arms, so to speak. Now, this has nothing to do with guns and bombs and military; this is a plea for people to arm themselves with an understanding that the person on the other side of the internet is not someone you know anything about. I'll use an example.

Omegle.com is a site similar to chatroulette, in which people can chat with each other in complete anonymity. It's mostly filled with horny teenagers, but with a little ingenuity, we used it to look at the dangers of cyber security. 

My brother is an amateur computer programmer. He wrote a script embedded in a url, which when clicked will send the IP address of whoever clicked it to a server. We could then trace that IP address, and find out where the other person lives, within about ten miles. Now, you might be thinking, "why would anyone click an unknown link?" People fell for it by the dozens. It didn't matter where; north carolina, chicago, paris, you name it, and we could find it. And all it took was a bit of programming.

All this to say; be wary on the internet. Anyone can steal your personal info, without much effort. That's my spiel for today; thanks for reading.

Trafficking of Human Body Parts: Serbia

I found this really insanely scary article in the New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com) from only a year ago about illegal body part trafficking. It details the Europeans facing "grinding poverty" who are seeking to sell their kidneys, lungs, bone marrow, and cornea among many other parts for cash.

(www1.american.edu)

The Internet provides a platform for this black-market. The asking price for a lung, for example, will pull you in around $250,000. Unfortunately, there is a lot of fraud within this system, as you can probably already imagine. There are two sides of this coin: the wealthy but sick, and the desperately poor. People will either falsify information, or not come through on their end of the deal. 

The 21st century slave trade: Human trafficking in India

Human trafficking has become the biggest emerging human rights issue for the 21st century. Yet, with the ranks of some ten million children prostituted and exploited around the world - more are located in India than in any other country.  According to the NY times "the brothels of India are the slave plantations of the 21st century". People are frequently illegally trafficked through India for the purposes of sexual exploitation and forced/bonded labor. India is seen to be the destination for woman and girls from neighboring Nepal and Bangladesh being trafficked for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation. 

  

 Yet, the government in India penalizes trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation through the (Immoral Trafficking Prevention Act), the Indian government shows that it at least has laws to attempt stop human trafficking. But the question stands if it is actually working and effective? I believe not. Usually, there are no efforts made in attempt to tackle the problem of government official’s compliance in trafficking workers for overseas employment. Corrupt officials frequently facilitate the bonded labor and the movement of sex trafficking victims. These officials protect the brothels that exploit these victims, and protect traffickers and brothel keepers from arrest and from other threats of enforcement. 

 According to Fox News "The victims of human trafficking in India are given no protection by law enforcement, no access to the courts, no political voice, and no hope of upward mobility". Since they’re no resources and no hope, many Indian woman and children succumb to India's thriving human-trafficking industry. 

The question rises on why is India such an epicenter of human trafficking? The answer remains that "human trafficking will not come to an end around the world, until it comes to an end in India". According to Fox news "India is the epicenter of human trafficking - including 100 million people, with 1.2 million child prostitutes, It tops the list of countries when it comes to transit, destination and source of human trafficking victims". As well according to the United Nations, the most dangerous place in the world to a girl or woman is India. 

 The international community needs to see India and its huge human trafficking problem as a threat to human security and national security. These victims are exploited and even brought to different countries at request. The statement that "human trafficking will not come to an end around the world, until it comes to an end in India". The international community needs to take this into concern and make more of an initiative to end the human trafficking in India. This needs to begin within the government in India, to end the corruption and begin to make this crime more punishable.