Globalisation And Technology-changing The Future Of Organised Crime

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19th February 2010, 04:54pm - Views: 1131
Globalisation and TechnologyChanging the Future of Organised Crime

19 February 2010

Globalisation and technological advances are changing the future face of organised crime, according to Australia's leading national security and law enforcement officers and academics, at a workshop hosted by the Australian Crime Commission (ACC) in Canberra this week.

ACC, Chief Executive Officer, John Lawler, recognised in his opening address to the Alternate Futures for Organised Criminality in Australia to 2020 workshop, that in this decade organised crime will continue to create diverse 'business-like' networks and find new markets to exploit.

"Globalisation and fluctuations in national economies along with rapid changes in information and communication technology will play an important role in the future shape of organised crime," Mr Lawler said.

"Cyber-communication advances, making legitimate international business easier, will also enable criminals unprecedented access to these markets to commit crimes remotely."

Held over two days (17 - 18 February) the workshop featured a keynote speech by former Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Director of the newly created National Security College at the Australian National University, Professor Michael L'Estrange.

Professor L'Estrange emphasised how organised criminality has grown from a law and justice issue in particular countries, into a problem for the whole international system.

"The conceptual framework of national security is changing, including the prevalence of transnational challenges," Professor L'Estrange said.

"International threats could arise from a more intense interaction between organised criminal networks and terrorist, insurgent or extremist groups.

"Organised criminality is a national security challenge of direct and growing relevance for Australia."

Mr Lawler said gathering more than 40 of the nation's law enforcement and national security experts to gain their insight and wisdom on what Australia may be facing in 2020, was central to the workshop's success.

"Getting as clear a picture as possible of the future environment is essential to staying one step ahead of the criminals," Mr Lawler said.

"The adaptive and rapidly evolving nature of organised crime means law enforcement methodologies must continue to become more flexible and collaborative."

A theme expressed by participants throughout the workshop was the vital importance of government and law enforcement agencies working closely together, using innovative strategies and creative thinking to successfully combat serious and organised crime.

Workshop outcomes will help inform Australia's national security community to build effective responses to meet future serious and organised crime challenges and assist the ACC board in its strategic deliberations.

Communications and Media Unit
T 02-6243-6843
M 0409-603-637

[email protected]
www.crimecommission.gov.au


SOURCE: Australian Crime Commission




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