A gang is defined as a group of criminals working together for a specific purpose. Studies have demonstrated that rather than being a tightly structured, clearly defined, stable entity, organized crime operates in a loosely structured, informal, open system. Organized crime is made up of a series of highly adaptive, flexible networks that readily take into account changes in the law and regulatory practices, the growth or decline of market demand for a particular good or service, and the availability of new sources of supply and new opportunities for distribution. It is this ability to adapt that allows organized crime to flourish.
Global Perspective:
a) United States (Mara Salvatrucha [MS-13]): Began in Los Angeles, California, and has successfully spread out to other parts of the states, Canada, central states, Mexico. They distinguish themselves by tattoos which cover most of the body including the face and have developed their own sign language. The MS- 13 criminal activities include drug trafficking, robbery, human trafficking, illegal immigration, assassination, and kidnapping.…show more content… The exact origins of the yakuza are unclear, but they are thought to have descended from masterless samurai in the early 17th century. In the 18th century, these poor, landless bandits began grouping together, creating families. Yakuza criminal operations include drug trafficking, money laundering, gambling, and bribery. They are known for their strict code of conduct and organized
