What is Gang-related Organised Crime or otherwise known as OCG?
The mention of “organised crime” instantly makes you think of Coppola’s “Godfather” movies. The silver screen characters are over-styled in the film with charismatic crime families going about their business. One of the key concerns is that the reality is very different and leans away from the traditional Mafia model in Italy.
Gang-related organised crime (OCG) in the UK refers to criminal activities carried out by organised gangs that operate within a structured hierarchy, to engage in illegal activities for financial gain or to exert control over certain territories. These gangs typically have a common purpose, with well-defined roles for their members, and established rules and code of conduct.
A gang must have three or more people to accomplish their purpose, working together to plan and conduct a serious crime. The National Crime Agency said there are currently 36,000 organised criminals in 5,300 groups affecting the UK.
Gang-related organised crime involves a wide range of criminal activities, including but not limited to, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking, extortion, money laundering, fraud, prostitution, and racketeering.
These criminal organisations often maintain a significant presence in certain neighbourhoods, cities, or regions and may compete with rival gangs for control over territory and criminal enterprises. Violence and intimidation tactics are frequently employed to protect their interests, solve disputes, and maintain their influence.
Members of these gangs typically exhibit strong loyalty to their group, and initiation into a gang often involves engaging in criminal acts as a test of loyalty and commitment. Gangs may also develop complex networks of associates and connections, both within their gang and with other criminal organisations to increase their criminal activities.
Law enforcement agencies and governments around the world actively work to combat gang-related organised crime through intelligence gathering, undercover operations, arrests, prosecutions, and targeted initiatives aimed at disrupting gang activities and dismantling networks.
Types of Organised Crime Activity:
- Drugs and County Lines
- Child Exploitation
- Financial Fraud
- Modern Slavery
- Business Crime
- Cyber Crime
- Car Crime
Prevention
The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation provides schools, communities, police, and local authorities with programmes, resources, and services to raise awareness and teach children to build emotional intelligence. We help them understand the causes of conflict and understand the impact and consequences of violence. We build the emotional and social skills to be resilient to modern-day life. For more information get in contact at info@timjon.org.uk or call our team on 01925 581231.
