Organised crime encompasses different types of crime and is committed by organised crime groups and networks.
The crime picture has evolved over the past decade to become increasingly complex. While reported crimes and incidence rates indicate that the general crime rate has gone down, there is a rise in some serious forms of crime.The crime pictureThe current crime picture shows organised crime that tends to cross borders, regional as well as international. Globalisation and increased mobility has affected crime. The open borders resulting from the Schengen Agreement have made travelling and transport of goods easier, also for criminals.Technology enables traditional as well as more recent types of crime. Different online forums may for instance normalise and justify conduct for persons with criminal intent, such as sexual abuse of children, or facilitate violence and vandalism. Use of encryption and anonymization tools makes it difficult for the police to find viable digital evidence. Organised crime may also be influenced by Europe's many vulnerable migrants. People staying in a country illegally without valid travel documents are particularly vulnerable, so are unaccompanied minors claiming asylum.
