Organized Crime in Europe: TOP 10 Nations With The Highest Presence of Mafia and Organized Crime

Organized Crime in Europe: TOP 10 Nations With The Highest Presence of Mafia and Organized Crime

When you think of the Mafia, Italy immediately  comes to mind. However, Italy is not the European   country with the highest presence of organized  crime. The Global Organized Crime Index shows   that Europe is the second safest continent for  organized crime, but some European nations still  

Stand out for the presence and ferocity of some  powerful criminal groups. Today we will look at   the 10 nations with the highest presence of  organized crime and Mafia-style groups, also   including transcontinental countries. We found  this list and the information on each country on  

The Global Organized Crime Index, the leading  website for information on organized crime,   supported by the European Union and the United  States government. Welcome to this new video   from Amazing Europe! Number 10: France. Many will be surprised to find France or other  countries on this list, but let’s remember that  

Organized crime truly operates in the shadows,  and often the extent of its crimes is unknown   to the majority of people. In recent years, the  problem of human trafficking has increased in   France. For example, the percentage of underage  girls who have been victims of prostitution has  

Increased from 12% to 33% between 2016 and  2020. Regarding drugs, the Global Organized   Crime Index reports that heroin is mainly  produced in Afghanistan and transported to   France via the Netherlands and Belgium. The Nord  department is a major hub for heroin trafficking,  

While trafficking in the Alps region is controlled  by Albanian mafias. Cocaine, on the other hand,   arrives mainly by container from Ecuador or  Brazil, especially through the port of Le   Havre. Although there are criminal networks made  up of French citizens, organized crime is largely  

In the hands of foreigners. For example, groups  from Eastern Europe and West Africa control the   arms trade and sexual exploitation, respectively.  Wholesale crime is mainly in the hands of Asians.   Algerian crime operates mainly in Marseille, while  Italian crime operates in the southeast of France.  

One last interesting fact: France is the second  largest country, after the United States, in terms   of the percentage of customs seizures of products  that violate intellectual property rights.  Number 9: Bosnia and Herzegovina. Human trafficking is also a serious problem   here. Roma and other ethnic children are forced  into begging and sexual exploitation. People  

From Afghanistan, Cuba, Gambia, Libya, Serbia, Sri  Lanka and neighboring Balkan countries have been   exploited in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Global  Organized Crime Index states that organized crime   is able to get these people in and out of the  country with the help of corrupt law enforcement  

Officials, particularly border police officers.  Extortion and racketeering are also common in   this country, usually carried out by criminal  groups linked to high-level politicians. Arms   trafficking is widespread, especially considering  that Bosnia and Herzegovina has one of the highest  

Numbers of legal and illegal firearms in civilian  possession in the world. It is also located along   one of the trafficking routes between major arms  supplier countries, such as Serbia and Montenegro,   and destination countries for illegal firearms  in Europe. Smuggling of counterfeit drugs and  

Cigarettes is also a widespread problem in the  country. It is estimated that 20% of the tobacco   consumed in the country is illegal. The most  widely used drug in the country is cannabis,   which enters from Albania and is then  sold in Western Europe. In addition,  

Bosnia and Herzegovina has recently become a  source of sour cannabis, a stronger variety,   with indoor cultivation in the southern and  western parts of the country. The most active   organized crime groups in the country are  those from Kosovo, Croatia, Montenegro,   Serbia and Turkey, the latter being particularly  active in smuggling and financial crime. 

Number 8: Belarus. Organized crime is widespread in Belarus,   thanks in part to its geographical location  as a bridge between the European Union and   Russia. Trafficking in weapons is particularly  well-developed, especially illegal weapons stolen   from former Soviet stockpiles. Counterfeit goods  from China also often pass through Belarus before  

Entering Europe. Goods produced in Europe and  destined for Russia also transit through Belarus.   Since sanctions against Russia have prevented  Europe from selling certain types of goods to   that country, EU goods are relabeled in Belarus  and smuggled into the Russian Federation. Belarus  

Is one of the main producers of illicit cigarettes  in Europe, and a significant amount of drugs also   pass through the country. Not as much heroin and  cocaine, which are too expensive for the country,   but cannabis and synthetic drugs are more  common. Synthetic drugs, especially methadone,  

Represent the fastest growing criminal market in  Belarus. All of this drug and goods trafficking   is facilitated by the high level of corruption  in the country, as discussed in the dedicated   video. Belarus has become a source country for  cybercrime, especially since the war in Ukraine.  

These groups have targeted government agencies  in several countries, including Ukraine, Germany,   Lithuania, and Poland. Number 7: Spain.  Spain is a major transit and destination country  for human trafficking. The primary purpose is   sexual exploitation, dominated by Chinese  and Spanish criminal groups. Victims are  

Typically girls and women from Eastern Europe,  Central and South America, Vietnam, Thailand,   China, and Nigeria. Labor exploitation is also  common, especially in the textile, construction,   industrial, and agricultural sectors. Those most  exploited are people from Eastern Europe and Asia,   particularly Pakistanis. Spanish police have  uncovered many cases of this kind, especially  

After the Covid-19 pandemic. Spain is a major  entry point for drugs into Europe. Galicia is   a major logistics hub for heroin, which arrives by  sea. The Global Organized Crime Index states that   this is also possible due to some corruption among  customs and law enforcement officials. However,  

Marijuana and hashish are the most consumed  illicit drugs in the country. Notably,   Spain is the main producer of cannabis in Europe  and the main entry point for cannabis from North   Africa. Domestic mafia groups are generally less  influential than their foreign counterparts,   especially those of Italian, Albanian,  Russian, Nigerian, Serbian, Turkish,  

Mexican, and Dutch origin. Financial fraud is  also very prevalent in Spain. Among other things,   organized crime also uses identity theft  to carry out large-scale credit card fraud.  Number 6: Montenegro. The two main strengths of organized crime   in Montenegro are its geographic location and its  connections with state authorities. Montenegro  

Is the main entry point for cocaine trafficking  from Latin America. The drug enters Montenegro,   passes through other Balkan countries,  and then ends up in the European Union.   The Port of Bar is also recognized as the  European center for cigarette smuggling,  

A trade also supported by high-ranking officials  and some politicians. The outdoor cultivation of   cannabis is increasingly widespread in Montenegro,  and the two main destinations are Spain and   Germany. According to the Global Organized Crime  Index, the country’s elites are also involved   in extortion and protection racketeering. This  criminal activity is prevalent in the construction  

Sector and is committed against various businesses  and hotels in several cities such as Podgorica,   Budva, Herceg Novi, Tivat, and Bar. The problem  of the illegal wildlife market is also growing in   Montenegro. Protected species such as brown bears,  griffons, and pelicans are captured alive and sold  

Illegally in other European countries. Two of  the most powerful and violent clans in Montenegro   are the Skaljari and Kavaci clans. They are  mainly involved in money laundering and cocaine   trafficking from Latin America, and are infamous  for using extreme violence not only in Montenegro  

But also in Serbia and various parts of Europe. Number 5: Serbia.  Human trafficking is widespread in Serbia,  primarily for sexual exploitation and forced   labor, particularly in the construction sector.  A significant number of children are exploited in   the online sex market, a crime that has increased  since the COVID-19 pandemic. Victims mainly come  

From Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Syria.  The majority of perpetrators share the nationality   of their victims and orchestrate the trafficking  from abroad, delegating internal movements and   irregular border crossings to Serbian criminals.  Serbia remains a major arms producer in Eastern   Europe, although the illicit Serbian arms market  has experienced a notable decline in recent years.  

Organized crime in Serbia is heavily involved  in the environmental sector, engaging in illegal   logging and poaching activities targeting species  such as foxes, deer, and bison. Fuel is the most   commonly smuggled commodity in Serbia, primarily  destined for Kosovo. Serbia, alongside Bulgaria,  

Serves as the primary source of synthetic drugs  in Eastern Europe. Recently, it has specialized   in the production of a novel synthetic drug known  as “pink cocaine.” In addition to local criminal   elements, the main criminal actors operating  in Serbia include Montenegrins, Chinese,   Russians, and Turks. These groups frequently  recruit their members from hooligan factions. 

Number 4: Italy. Human trafficking is widespread in Italy,   with people exploited for both sexual and labor  purposes. Victims mainly come from Africa, Eastern   Europe, and some Asian countries like China,  India, and Pakistan. Italy’s geographical location   makes it a key point on the Central Mediterranean  migratory route, exploited by traffickers. Many  

Of these migrants are then forced to work in the  caporalato system, enduring harsh and dangerous   working conditions with minimal or no pay.  Counterfeiting is a serious problem in Italy,   with clothing, accessories, and electronics  being the most commonly counterfeited goods.  

Chinese criminal organizations are increasingly  involved in this trade. Rome is a key hub for   the distribution of counterfeit goods from China,  while Western Sicily is the main entry point for   contraband cigarettes from North Africa. Cocaine  is the most profitable drug in Italy, which has  

One of the highest demands for cocaine in the  EU. The ‘Ndrangheta, a Calabrian mafia group,   dominates this sector. They have strong ties with  drug trafficking organizations in Latin America,   mainly Colombia, and with the Albanian mafia.  The cannabis market is also significant in Italy,  

Though it is mainly controlled by foreign criminal  organizations, such as those from Morocco and   Spain. The most powerful Italian mafia groups are  the Sicilian Mafia, the Camorra, the Sacra Corona   Unita, and especially the ‘Ndrangheta. Number 3: Ukraine.  While the number of foreign nationals exploited  for forced labor in Ukraine is relatively low,  

Ukrainian citizens themselves are more vulnerable  to trafficking and forced labor both within   Ukraine and in other parts of Europe, including  Russia, Poland, and beyond. This trend existed   well before the current war. Ukraine reportedly  has one of the largest arms trafficking markets  

In Europe, which has intensified since the 2014  conflict in the eastern part of the country.   After the start of the 2022 conflict, smuggling  routes involving Russia and Belarus have become   less significant, while those involving Poland,  Romania, and Moldova have seen an increase. For  

Example, the illicit alcohol trade surged after  the government imposed a wartime ban on alcohol   sales, prompting the government to significantly  loosen the ban a month later. While Ukraine serves   as a major transit route for heroin, it is more  concerningly a destination and consumer market  

For synthetic drugs and psychotropic substances,  primarily originating from Poland, Lithuania,   and the Netherlands. Prior to 2022, Ukraine was  a fertile ground for cyberattacks from various   nation-states, including Russia, Iran, North  Korea, and China. Its digital infrastructure,   similar to that of Western countries, offered an  ideal testing ground for new cyberwarfare tactics  

And technologies. At the same time, a lack of  resources for cyber defense made it a vulnerable   target. The war has now significantly worsened  the situation. The war with Russia has disrupted   the structure of organized crime in Ukraine.  Certain groups are attempting to exploit the  

Chaotic situation to gain higher status within  the criminal hierarchy. There have been reports   of collaboration between local criminal networks  and Russian troops, aiming to establish control   over occupied territories. Number 2: Russia.  Russian women and children are trafficked for  sexual exploitation throughout Europe, Asia,  

And North America. The war in Ukraine has prompted  thousands of Russians to flee the country,   including to avoid military conscription. Many  seek refuge in the United States, facilitated by   traffickers operating in Turkey, Central America,  and Mexico. Extortion and protection money are  

Common activities of Russian organized crime.  Russia is the world’s second-largest legal arms   exporter, supplying major powers like India  and China. It also hosts a thriving illegal   arms market. The trade in counterfeit goods is  widespread in Russia. Around 40% of all bags,   clothes, and accessories sold are estimated  to be counterfeit. Cocaine consumption has  

Increased in Russia in recent years, especially  among young people. Demand for this drug was   previously concentrated in a few large cities,  such as Moscow, Sochi, Kazan, and St. Petersburg,   but has now increased throughout the country.  Cocaine is smuggled from South America, mainly  

From Ecuador, and most arrives via the port of St.  Petersburg, after stopovers in Europe or Africa.   Cybercrime is prevalent in Russia. Criminal groups  are said to operate in the country without fear of   prosecution or imprisonment and are believed to  be assisting the Russian government in the war  

Against Ukraine. Russian criminal groups also  engage in various illegal activities in other   parts of the world, such as money laundering  in Cyprus and the Cayman Islands, financial   fraud in New York, and car theft in Europe. Before we reveal number 1, if you want to know  

The 10 European nations with the least organized  crime presence, we ask you to like this video.   Once this video reaches 400 likes, we will publish  a video on this topic. And if you want to support  

Our project, we kindly ask you to subscribe to  the channel. It would mean a lot to us. Thank you!  Number 1: Turkey. Including transcontinental countries, Turkey   is the country on this list with the highest  presence of organized crime. Human trafficking,  

Especially in the form of sexual exploitation and  forced labor, is very high in Turkey. Organized   crime also takes advantage of the vulnerability  of refugees, who are very present in Turkey,   by pressuring women and children to be trafficked  for sexual exploitation. There are three types of  

Actors involved in the illegal arms market. First,  there are criminal networks that supply firearms   mainly to Iraq, Syria, and Iran. Second, there is  a more sophisticated arms trafficking operation   that works to supply more advanced and profitable  weapons. Finally, the Global Organized Crime Index  

Also reports that there are individuals within  state structures involved in the illegal transfer   of arms to groups fighting in Syria and Libya. The  smuggling of tobacco and alcohol is widespread in   Turkey, and this is not perceived as a serious  crime by many Turkish citizens. As for drugs,  

Turkish organized crime maintains control over  the wholesale import of heroin into the continent,   and record seizures of this drug have been  reached in recent years. In terms of cybercrime,   this time Turkey is the victim. It is  the target of regular software attacks  

And in 2021 it suffered a major cryptocurrency  fraud, with losses of billions of US dollars. The Global Organized Crime Index reports  a lot of other information on the topic,   which reveals many other operations that  organized crime carries out in the shadows  

And which is often unknown to non-professionals.  If you want more information, or if you want to   share your opinion or experience, please  write in the comments. On the other hand,   if you want to know the European countries  with the highest crime rate that is not  

Carried out by mafia groups, we recommend  the video in the top right corner. Well,   that’s all for this video. Have  a nice day and see you next time!

When you think of the Mafia, Italy immediately comes to mind. However, Italy is not the European country with the highest presence of organized crime. The Global Organized Crime Index shows that Europe is the second safest continent for organized crime, but some European nations still stand out for the presence and ferocity of some powerful criminal groups. Today we will look at the 10 nations with the highest presence of organized crime and Mafia-style groups, also including transcontinental countries. We found this list and the information on each country on the Global Organized Crime Index, the leading website for information on organized crime, supported by the European Union and the United States government. Welcome to this new video from Amazing Europe: “Organized Crime in Europe: TOP 10 Nations With The Highest Presence of Mafia and Organized Crime”.
_____________________________________________________
OUR SOURCES: The ranking and almost all the information you find in this video are taken from the Global Organized Crime Index, the world’s largest network for analyzing organized crime, also supported by the European Union and the United States Government. You can find more information here: https://ocindex.net/.
_____________________________________________________
CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSES
Italy Map: LorenzoF06, original artwork from mac9, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
_____________________________________________________
If you want to help us spread the word about our project to showcase the wonders of European culture and society, please like this video 👍, subscribe to our channel, and click the bell icon to turn on all notifications 👍. It doesn’t cost you anything, but it would mean a lot to us. Thanks so much! 🙏🙏🙏
_____________________________________________________
OTHER OUR VIDEOS:
📺The Dark Reality: TOP 10 Fastest Dying European Countries Exposed: youtu.be/kyoxBWmZSFM
📺Expats Beware: 10 Unfriendly European Countries: youtu.be/tuZ2tsROOnM
📺TOP 10 Friendliest and Most Hospitable Countries in Europe:
youtu.be/nF-DVuIl-V0
📺Tourists Beware: 10 Rudest European Cities: youtu.be/cRXrIl8KJb4
📺TOP 10 Saddest Nations in Europe: youtu.be/ysyE8lGvcgA
📺TOP 10 Countries in Europe where You’ll be Happy!: youtu.be/WU_3-_mbb1o
📺10 European Countries Where Workers Are Saddest (some will surprise you!!!): youtu.be/UQcZVXYfIsc
📺TOP 10 European Countries Where Workers are Happiest (the first 2 will amaze you!!!): youtu.be/KT9xZMsdYAI
📺TOP 10 Most Dangerous Countries in Europe: youtu.be/_EXHAvSYAbc
📺TOP 10 Safest Countries in Europe: youtu.be/k5b4phRF-Co
_____________________________________________________
00:00 Intro
00:42 Number 10
02:07 Number 9
03:40 Number 8
04:56 Number 7
06:24 Number 6
07:46 Number 5
09:06 Number 4
10:31 Number 3
12:17 Number 2
13:49 Number 1