Books - February 14, 2012

Termites at Work: Transnational Organized Crime and State Erosion in Kenya—Comprehensive Research Findings

The threat posed by organized crime is not confined to serious crimes such as racketeering, the global drug trade, or human trafficking. For many developing countries and fragile states, powerful transnational criminal networks constitute a direct threat to the state itself, not through open confrontation but by penetrating state institutions through bribery and corruption and by subverting or undermining them from within. This paper examines whether Kenya faces such a threat.  

General Announcements - January 13, 2012

IPI Initiative: Cops Without Borders

Illicit money flows linked to global crime syndicates are conservatively estimated at US$130 billion annually. As criminal networks expand, they increasingly ignore international borders while law enforcement agencies remain largely confined to their own national boundaries.  

Policy Papers - October 28, 2011

Know Your Enemy: An Overview of Organized Crime Threat Assessments

There is increasing awareness within police forces and international organizations that organized crime is a growing threat to security. However, due to a lack of data and insufficient knowledge about illicit activities, criminal justice experts are often left chasing shadows.  

Books - October 12, 2011

Peace Operations and Organized Crime: Enemies or Allies?

Peace operations are increasingly on the front line in the international community’s fight against organized crime. This book explores how, in some cases, peace operations and organized crime are clear enemies, while in others, they may become tacit allies.  

General Announcements - October 04, 2011

IPI Launches Report on Transnational Organized Crime in Kenya

Transnational criminal networks are corrupting and undermining state institutions in some countries to such an extent that they pose a threat to the state itself, according to two new reports from IPI made public on October 4th in Nairobi at a policy forum addressed by Kenyan Prime Minister Raila A. Odinga.  

Meeting Notes - January 04, 2011

IPI Publication Reviews UN Transnational Crime Convention

Ten years have passed since the adoption of the Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime (the Palermo Convention) by the UN General Assembly on November 15, 2000.  

Panel Discussions - October 22, 2010

A “One UN” Approach to Fighting Crime?

Organized crime is a threat to stability in almost every theatre where the United Nations is active in keeping or building the peace. It is also a threat to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).  

Panel Discussions - October 06, 2010

Expert: Cybercrime Allows Criminals into "Billions of Family Homes"

Nick Lewis, an organized-crime expert with the British Embassy, told an IPI audience that opportunities for criminals to commit international crimes have become greater, and that organized crime now affects billions of ordinary citizens. 

Comment & Analysis - September 30, 2010

Rejuvenating the Palermo Convention

As representatives from more than 100 UN member states gear up for the Fifth Conference of the States Party to the UN Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime in Vienna, one wonders whether the gathering will be another anti-climax or will see delegates heed the plea by Antonio Maria Costa, the former executive director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).  

Comment & Analysis - December 11, 2009

Enter the Security Council: A Milestone in Global Drug Control Policy

The adoption of a presidential statement on drug trafficking by the UN Security Council on December 8, 2009 represents a milestone in the global drug control debate, and a turning point in the world body’s approach to the issue.