Importing cocaine, and producing and exporting ecstasy are the drug industries of choice for Canadian organized crime, according to the 2009 report from the Criminal Intelligence Service of Canada . Police have identified some 750 criminal groups operating in the country.
“Illicit drugs continue to be the primary criminal market in Canada in terms of estimated revenue and the number of participating organized crime groups,” the report stated.
The report also notes that identity theft is becoming a lucrative market for organized crime in the country. Credit card fraud is particularly prevalent in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. Contraband tobacco, environmental crimes such as illegal logging and financial crime also figure prominently.
New Push Leads to Breakthroughs
“I think it is important to understand that organized crime continued to lie behind many of the most serious criminal threats that exist today,” said RCMP Commissioner William Elliot in a statement.
Canada’s new push towards what it calls “intelligence-led policing” did lead to some breakthroughs in the past year. The report noted that a major mortgage fraud case that for the first time convicted a criminal of economic crimes benefiting a criminal organization was begun by an Edmonton policeman sharing information about discrepancies in property values. Five people were ultimately convicted in the $30 million swindle.
“Integrated, intelligence-led policing is a valuable strategy that guides policing priorities, projects and operations,” Elliot said. “Criminal Intelligence Service Canada is uniquely positioned across the country to support its advancement.”
Elliot also said that new chip and pin technology for credit cards and other security measures used by banks may help guard against identity theft.
-- Beth Kampschror
