Exploring infiltration behaviour by organised crime groups
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JMLC-10-2021-0117 |
| Published date | 23 November 2021 |
| Date | 23 November 2021 |
| Pages | 159-171 |
| Subject Matter | Accounting & finance,Financial risk/company failure,Financial compliance/regulation,Financial crime |
| Author | Mariska Fourie,Philip Steenkamp,Jacqui-Lyn McIntyre-Louw,Clinton Oellermann |
Exploring infiltration behaviour
by organised crime groups
Mariska Fourie,Philip Steenkamp,
Jacqui-Lyn McIntyre-Louw and Clinton Oellermann
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, School of Accounting Sciences,
North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
Abstract
Purpose –This paper aims to provide a holistic viewof infiltration behaviour by organised crime groups
(OCGs), with a specific focus on themethods used to access the legal market, including factors that drive an
organised crime group to pursue infiltration. The act of infiltration is examined as a business decision;
therefore, factors such as the surroundingcommunity, the availability of criminal opportunities and broader
implications,are considered.
Design/methodology/approach –Initially, the concept of an organised crime group is explored by,
where possible,identifying trends in behaviour and structure. The act of infiltrationis dissected, including the
infiltrationbehaviour of OCGs and their related decision-making processes.
Findings –Infiltration actions are complex; therefore, any countervailing combatting and preventative
actions will need to follow suit. OCGs pursue infiltration only when deemedfeasible and to their benefitin
furthering their illicit actions. Criminal opportunities are pursued across the entire economic sector. When
these groups participate in a legal market, their criminality infectsthe healthy market and leaves it ill and
contagiousto the rest of the licit economy.
Originality/value –Infiltration is organic, as it indicates growth or adjustment to changing market
conditions.Criminal opportunities are widespread,and their creation is often unintentional–thelegal economy
casts a shadow. Combatting organised crime, entrenched in the lawful community, requires that the focus
should be on the susceptibility of potential infiltration targets through the possible infiltration methods.
Furthermore, a broader perspectiveis needed when considering the underlying motivationfor infiltration–it
may not only be to generate profit.
Keywords Illicit markets, Infiltration, Licit economy, Organised crime groups
Paper type Research paper
1. Introduction
Organised crime groups (OCGs)constantly evolve and adapt to capitalise on changes within
the global economy (UNODC[United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime], 2004:3;Lavorgna,
2015: 153). Globalisation has created favourable conditions for OCGs to flourish and vastly
expand their operations (Standing, 2003: 3). Furthermore, developments in the value or
supply chain, such as access to new trading routes, result in a higher probability of
convergence between different illicit markets (interchangeably used with illegal or shadow
markets) (Dininio and MSI [ManagementSystems International], 2020: 1).
The authors wish to express their gratitude towards Dr Duane Aslett, who provided valuable
guidance at the inception of this research.
Funding: The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or
publication of this article.
Exploring
infiltration
behaviour
159
Journalof Money Laundering
Control
Vol.26 No. 1, 2023
pp. 159-171
© Emerald Publishing Limited
1368-5201
DOI 10.1108/JMLC-10-2021-0117
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