Abstract:
In response to ‘The Hague Programme’, three
OCTA (2006, 2007 and 2008 OCTA) have been
produced and, combined with the ensuing
Council Conclusions, have already had a significant
impact on law enforcement throughout
Europe. This fourth OCTA represents another
important step forward in consolidating this
proactive and EU-wide approach in combatting
OC.
The 2009 OCTA aims to be a significant milestone
in the assessment of the OC threat, bringing
into the same context the structural and
functional features of the OC groups and the
dynamics of which they are part or that can be
exploited by them.
Such assessment is carried out with the aim of
identifying criminal ‘combinations’ that are
shaping the OC dynamics in the whole EU or significant
parts of it, so that the ensuing conclusions
are relevant beyond the borders of individual
Member States (MS) and complement priorities
based on national threat assessments.
This approach is reflected in the structure of the
OCTA.
First of all, criminal markets are briefly explored,
refraining from reiterating known situations in
full, and focusing instead on emerging issues
and new trends, with the aim of better outlining
the environment in which OC groups operate
and the opportunities that are or may be
exploited by them.
Then, the EU criminal hubs are described
through the assessment of their characteristics
and possible evolution, and through the analysis
of the interaction between OC groups and
criminal activities occuring within and among
the hubs.
Finally, the capabilities and intentions of OC
groups active in the EU are analysed. This analysis
derives from an evolved typology of OC
groups based on their features, strategies and
fields of action as reported by MS. This analysis
also contributes to the improvement of the
typology itself, thus initiating and perpetuating
a cycle, which is typical of intelligence activities.
Money laundering (ML) and important side
issues such as the criminal situation in West
Africa and the present economic crisis are treated
in dedicated sections of the document, as
they request a special and asymmetric interest.
The OCTA is based on a multi-source approach,
including law enforcement and non-law
enforcement contributions. It helps to close the
gap between strategic findings and operational
activities but, in suggesting strategic priorities, it
is not intended to be so detailed as to pinpoint
specific criminal investigations.
The OCTA is always being enhanced.
Methodological questions and other issues are
continuously being addressed in close co-operation
with the Member States.The methodology
and procedures for its completion have been
amended, and this has had a positive result in
terms of quality of the contributions submitted
to the report and the way in which the contributions
are analysed. Overall, the changes which
have been introduced have all contributed to
enhancing the quality of the OCTA.
The OCTA does not cover terrorism or terrorist
networks.
