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Organized crime in three regions: comparing the Veneto, Liverpool, and Chicago

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Abstract

This paper studies organized crime in three regions, the Veneto in Northern Italy, Liverpool in England, and Chicago in the United States. Data were gathered from published reports, government documents, and field observation. Case studies were then compiled describing organized crime in each area. The findings suggest that various jurisdictions define organized crime differently. These different definitions correspond to the nature of organized crime in each locality. In spite of these differences, however, there is consensus about the use of the term mafia. Groups that are defined as mafias generally exercise some degree of political influence in their areas of operation. Additionally, criminal groups that began as adolescent gangs retain the gang classification even after they move into drug trafficking and other organized criminal activities. These findings suggest important distinctions between organized criminal groups and improve our understanding of the term organized crime.

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Notes

  1. An Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) s.1.1 Crime and Disorder Act of 1998 is a civil order issued by a court against a person who has shown anti-social tendencies. It was introduced in 1998 and is meant to address behaviours, which do not demand criminal prosecution. An ASBO typically prevents a person from returning to a designated place, drinking alcoholic beverages, or behaving in a disorderly manner while in public.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School International Studies, University of Trento, via Verdi, 8/10, 38122, Trento, Italy

    Anita Lavorgna

  2. Department of Criminal Justice, Loyola University, 820 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL, 60611, USA

    Robert Lombardo

  3. Department of Sociology, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK

    Anna Sergi

Authors
  1. Anita Lavorgna
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  2. Robert Lombardo
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  3. Anna Sergi
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Correspondence to Robert Lombardo.

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Lavorgna, A., Lombardo, R. & Sergi, A. Organized crime in three regions: comparing the Veneto, Liverpool, and Chicago. Trends Organ Crim 16, 265–285 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12117-013-9189-1

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