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The world is losing the fight against international gangs

Globalisation and technological progress are leading to a boom in organised crime.

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Ecuadorean armed forces and police members present to the press alleged members of the Latin Kings gang, following a security joint operation in Duran, Ecuador on October 24, 2024. (Photo by MARCOS PIN / AFP)

Ecuadorean armed forces and police officers arrested alleged members of the Latin Kings gang following a security joint operation in Duran, Ecuador, on Oct 24.

PHOTO: AFP

The Economist

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As the world teeters on the brink of what could become the worst trade wars since the 1930s, with international capital flows falling and cross-border trade and investment stagnating, there is one glaring exception to this unravelling of globalisation: International gangsters and organised criminals are on a roll. They are merrily pursuing opportunities around the world, moving goods across borders, establishing country-spanning supply chains and hiring talent internationally.

“I fear the world is losing the fight against gangs and organised crime,” says Mr Jurgen Stock, who on Nov 7 stepped down after a 10-year stint as the secretary-general of Interpol, an international police organisation. “The growth in the breadth, scale and professionalism of organised crime is unprecedented.”

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