In its resolution 60/1, the Commission invited UNODC, in close cooperation with Member States, to reflect on possibilities to strengthen and streamline its existing data-collection and analysis tools, including improving the quality and effectiveness of the annual report questionnaire.

International enforcement agencies

The following are some of the methods used by authorities in the US to combat transnational organised crime:

Transnational crime will be a defining issue of the 21st century for policymakers - as defining as the Cold War was for the 20th century and colonialism was for the 19th.

"as unprecedented openness in trade, finance, travel and communication has created economic growth and well-being, it has also given rise to massive opportunities for criminals to make their business prosper."

In order to achieve their goals, these criminal groups use systematic violence and corruption.

Consumers also have a key role to play: know what you are purchasing, do so ethically and make sure that you do not fuel organized crime.

Putting them out of business. What can we do about organized crime?

Governments, businesses, civil society, international organizations and people in all corners of the world have a part to play.

requires partnerships at all levels.

integral part of transnational organized crime, it is estimated that some 70 per cent of illicit profits are likely to have been laundered through the financial system. Yet less than 1 per cent of those laundered proceeds are intercepted and confiscated.

they may move it abroad, or they might use it to buy other assets or try to introduce it into the legitimate economy through businesses that have a high cash turnover.

criminals move to prevent cash from attracting suspicion.

It can also fuel local crime, which in turn drives up costs such as insurance premiums and adds to the general level of criminality and insecurity in society.

affects people in the developing and the developed worlds. Money is laundered through banking systems.

Organized crime groups can also work with local criminals, leading to an increase in corruption, extortion, racketeering and violence, as well as a range of other more sophisticated crimes at the local level. Violent gangs can also turn inner cities into dangerous areas and put citizens' lives at risk.

While transnational organized crime is a global threat, its effects are felt locally.

most lucrative form of business for criminals,

countless lives are lost as a result of organized crime.

It threatens peace and human security, leads to human rights being violated and undermines the economic, social, cultural, political and civil development of societies around the world.

more than one country is involved.

illicit business that transcends cultural, social, linguistic and geographical boundaries and one that knows no borders or rules.

adapting to markets and creating new forms of crime.

Every year, countless lives are lost as a result of organized crime.

Transnational organized crime is not stagnant, but is an ever-changing industry,