The infiltration of organised crime in the legitimate economy has emerged as a transnational phenomenon. This book constitutes an unprecedented study of the involvement of criminal groups in the legitimate economy and their infiltration in legal businesses, and is the first to bridge the research gap between money laundering and organised crime. It analyses the main drivers of this process, explaining why, how and where infiltration happens.

Building on empirical evidence from the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the UK, Ireland, Italy, France and Finland, Organised Crime in European Businesses is divided into four parts. Part I explores the infiltration of legitimate businesses to conceal and facilitate illicit trafficking. Part II examines the infiltration of legitimate businesses to develop fraud schemes. Part III focuses on the infiltration of legitimate businesses to control the territory and influence policy makers. Part IV concludes by considering the research and policy implications in light of these findings.

Bringing together leading experts and detailed case studies, this book considers the infiltration of organised crime in legitimate business around Europe. It is an ideal resource for students and academics in the fields of criminology, economics and sociology, as well as private sector practitioners, public officials and policy makers.

About the Author

Ernesto U. Savona is Professor of Criminology at the Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy. He is also Director of Transcrime, the Joint Research Centre on Transnational Crime of the Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore.

Michele Riccardi is Adjunct Professor of Business Economics at the Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy, and senior researcher at Transcrime.

Giulia Berlusconi is Postdoctoral Fellow at the Faculty of Political and Social Sciences, Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy, and researcher at Transcrime.

Reviews

"This book reflects the important findings of cutting-edge research. It demonstrates the frightening scale of organised crime investment in the legitimate economy, and the negative effects of this phenomenon. Tracing and recovering the proceeds of crime remains a major strategic challenge for law enforcement agencies across Europe, so this publication is as timely as it is important."

Rob Wainwright, Director of Europol

"This timely book is a must-read for academics and practitioners who want to know more about criminal infiltration and the various ways in which criminal activities and the legitimate economy are intertwined in a wide array of European countries."

Edward R. Kleemans, Full Professor and Chair of Serious and Organized Crime and Criminal Justice, VU University Amsterdam, the Netherlands

"New criminals have moved away from the Dickensian den of thieves and now reside in posh city centre offices. With the aid of accountants, lawyers and financial experts they devise new extortion rackets and malpractices that are threatening the fabric of state and society. This interdisciplinary book presents meticulously researched case studies to show how the criminal elites operate under the guise of business and professionalism. It is a must read for students, scholars and policymakers."

Prem Sikka, Professor of Accounting, Essex Business School, University of Essex, UK

Book Information
ISBN 9781138499478
Author Ernesto Savona
Format Paperback
Page Count 242
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 450g