– in combating TOC, a preventive approach should be prioritised to minimise
gaps and opportunities in the administrative, social and economic arenas,
which could give criminal groups the possibility of exploiting unregulated or grey
areas for their illegal aims. This approach also includes the promotion of good
governance, transparency, accountability and professional ethics at all levels of
the public service. Media and public support for the fight against corruption and
organised crime is crucial;
– the preventive approach should include measures minimising the effect of
organised crime, preventing its recurrence and protecting its victims. Article 31
and the following articles of UNTOC outline methods of prevention;
– a decisive response from the criminal justice system is essential. Specialised
agencies and units, qualified manpower, technical capacity, budgetary
resources and smart tools from criminal law should be emphasised;
– in criminal legislation, the definition of participation in an organised criminal
group is not always consistent with the standards set by UNTOC. This hinders
the application of criminal measures at a national level as well as co-operation
with other countries in cases of organised crime.