Bjarni Sigursteinsson examines the complexities of organized crime to discover the connections that make them thrive.
“Organized crime is a complex problem, and just like in hockey, the interplay of multiple actors and factors generates success. My research examines how they operate, to identify and remove facilitators, raise barriers, and expose vulnerabilities.”
To tackle cybercrime, we must understand complexity. Cybercrime is a form of Organized Crime with which we are getting uncomfortably familiar. Thousands of Canadian websites were offline this month due to a cybersecurity threat. Media coverage suggests nearly 60% of Canadians have been targeted by cybercrime and warns of an ongoing “epidemic of cybercrime”. Contrary […]
When we think about Organized Crime, we generally see it as something the police and the prosecution need to address through investigation and criminal charges. However, the Criminal Justice System has only a limited impact on Organized Crime. Consequently, authorities and other interested parties are increasingly realizing the importance of complementing the traditional criminal justice […]
Organized Crime, and crime more generally, increasingly transcends national borders. As discussed in my last blog, globalization and technological advances have generated vast opportunities for Organized Crime. Nowadays, the victim of a crime can be in a different jurisdiction than both the criminals and their means for committing the crime. Meanwhile, the abilities of domestic […]
The ever-increasing mobility and interconnectedness that we enjoy today have an enormous impact on our lives. We have grown accustomed to freedom of movement and technology that allow us to visit places and interact with people regardless of distance. We enjoy products and services manufactured and sold all over the world. Globalization has enabled unprecedented […]
The largest mafia trial in Italy’s history is ongoing, with 355 accused on trial for various offences, from membership and collusion with the ‘Ndrangheta crime syndicate to arms trafficking and murder. In a recent CBC article and radio episode, Megan Williams clearly outlines how the community environment of the Calabria region in Italy has allowed […]
It has become increasingly clear that the global spread of Organized Crime demands more than a policing approach. Indeed, what is required is a more comprehensive approach that involves a larger group of stakeholders, including policy and decision-makers. Organized Crime is incredibly adept at adapting to and benefiting from societal changes. EUROPOL and the Global […]
Organized Crime exploits environmental protection efforts with blatant disregard for both the environment and human lives. It is neither new nor surprising that Organized Crime takes advantage of many of the world’s most significant and challenging problems, including armed conflict, human trafficking, water shortages, cybercrime, and even the Covid pandemic. Recently, environmental protection efforts have resulted in waste disposal […]
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to think differently about many things. Still, this crisis has given us a much-needed opportunity to look at our society and our lives differently and in a better informed and contextual manner. One such opportunity regards the community problem of Organized Crime. Examining the problem of Organized Crime alongside […]
