The investigation, prosecution and execution of sanctions regarding organised crime
require efficient international co-operation.22 Despite the availability of numerous
wide-ranging instruments at intergovernmental or (sub)regional levels, international
co-operation remains slow and laborious for the most part.
Generally, three basic conditions must be fulfilled for efficient co-operation at the
international level. First, relevant international instruments should be available.
Second, the domestic legal framework should be adequate. Third, networks have to
be set up and used.
With regard to the third condition, it is clear that enhancing efficiency in the
investigation of complex forms of TOC involves the setting up of judicial and police
networks. This fosters swift co-operation, an understanding of the transnational
dimension, co-ordination of interventions, the execution of requests, and also helps
in overcoming the legal diversity among member states involved in a TOC
investigation.