Discuss the types of organised crimes. Describe the linkages between terrorists and organised crime that exist at the national and transnational levels. (UPSC 2022)

Organised crime is a continuing unlawful activity carried out by a syndicate or gang for material gain through violence, threat or coercion. It overlaps with terrorism when crime networks finance, supply or protect extremist groups.

• Types: violent crimes like extortion, kidnapping and contract killing;
• illicit trafficking of drugs, arms and people;
• financial crimes such as money laundering, counterfeiting and fraud;
• cyber-enabled crimes like ransomware and scam networks;
• environmental crimes, including illegal mining and wildlife trafficking.

• National linkages: local gangs act as couriers, shooters and extortion agents for terror handlers.
• Prisons often become hubs for recruitment, messaging and money transfer.
• In border states, narcotics and drone-dropped weapons create narco-terror networks.

• Transnational linkages: hawala, cryptocurrencies and fake documents move funds and operatives across borders.
• Terrorists use global black markets for arms, safe houses and logistics.

Thus, the terror-crime nexus is driven by profit, secrecy and weak borders. It needs joint policing, financial tracking, intelligence sharing and strict action under anti-terror and anti-money laundering laws.