Globalization Boosts Europe’s Gangsters

Reduced trade barriers and ease of transportation brought about by globalization are also helping transnational criminal networks succeed in the European Union. A new report from the EU’s criminal intelligence agency says drug dealing, human trafficking, and trade in counterfeit luxury goods are on the rise. Criminal organizations are taking advantage of trade liberalization and low-cost airlines to smuggle in drugs through West Africa, the Balkans, and other regions of the continent as well as import fake goods from China and ingredients for synthetic drugs. Analysts argue that greater globalization helps to spur greater illegal activities. But hindering globalization to strike out criminal operations would also hinder legitimate businesses. As the article notes, “liberalization, low-cost airlines, and China’s low-wage economy” are all part of the same phenomenon. − YaleGlobal