Controlling organized crimes

15-8-2069 (30 Nov 2012) The Centre for Security and Justice Studies (CSJS) organized a seminar on 'Organized Crimes: Assess the Problems in Combating and Identify Gaps for Intervention'. The Centre for Security and Justice Studies organized a discussion on 'Organized Crimes: Assess the Problems in Combating and Identify Gaps for Intervention' on 30 Nov 2012 at Shaligram Hotel, Jaulakhel. The officials from Crime Investigation Department (CID) of Nepal Police, National Investigation Department (NID), FNCCI, Nepal Bankers Association (NBA), Rastriya Banijya Bank, Department of Money Laundering Investigation (DMLI), Financial Information Unit (FIU), specialists and representatives from civil society participated in the program. A theme paper 'Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Counter Financing of Terrorism (CFT) & Preventive Role of Non-State Actors (Civil Society) to Combat Transnational Organized Crime in Nepal' was presented by advocate Mr. Ram Sharan Pokharel followed by general discussion. The discussion agreed that the organized criminals are motivated by the large profits. They are generally involved in drug trafficking, financial fraud, gold smuggling, cyber pornography, arms and explosives haul, human trafficking, terrorism, kidnapping and extortion, hijacking, counterfeiting, contract killings, etc. The successful investigations of multinational organized crimes depend upon the baseline groundwork of any organization responsible for preventing and controlling these types of crimes and the international collaboration. The efforts by State acting alone to counter the financial power of organized criminal networks cannot be expected to succeed if other organizations are not aware, alert and do not take similar actions. If interlocking national controls are not created, there will be places that offer safe haven to the organized criminals. The meeting also apprehended that all banks, financial institutions and business organizations have also role to prevent money laundering in the country. The meeting also realized that there are areas for improvements in this sector. The discussion was very fruitful. It was found that the scale and nature of serious and organized crime in the country is constantly changing and expanding. The changing nature of the crime confuses police and other law enforcing agencies. What is more irritating is that the criminals have nexus with police, political leaders and business community. They always find some solace to protect them and their trade. On top of these, the state machinery is ill-equipped, under resourced, slow, unorganized and inefficient to deal with this problem. The discussion also identified some key approaches to fighting serious and organized crimes which are manifold and multijurisdictional. Some of these approaches were: 1. It has a political solution. The political underestimation of the problem is vital. 2. Lack of coherent cooperation and coordination between state's machinery is a major problem. There is a need for a multifaceted expert group working in cooperation in order to define the essential issues. It may warrant several structural changes in future. 3. The information management system is poor. The efficient exchange of information is imperative for future successes. The effective intelligence analysis and dissemination is necessary for the successful combating of organized crime. 4. There are some legislative obstacles to overcome. The economic crimes can be handled by economic policies rather than criminal laws. 5. Societal mobilization could be one of the long-term goals. 6. Regional cooperation is necessary to restrict movements of criminals. 7. The coordinated efforts are essential to meet the goal.