While the criminal marketplace is evolving, several key findings remain consistent over time. The following have been observed over several years and are considered to be mainstays of the Canadian organized crime marketplace:
The British Columbia lower mainland, southern Ontario and greater Montreal regions are the primary criminal hubs, with both the largest concentrations of criminal groups as well as the most active and dynamic criminal markets. The illicit drug market remains the largest criminal market in terms of extent, scope, and the degree of involvement by the majority of organized crime groups.
Where law enforcement successes have disrupted or dismantled specific crime groups, this impact tends to be short term as it creates temporary voids into which market expansion occurs or creates opportunities for well situated criminal groups. In general, criminal markets are highly resistant to long-term disruption as they continue to exist in response to meeting consumer demand.
Many organized crime groups have the capability to exploit international borders. International linkages maintained by several groups ensure that supply and distribution chains for several commodities remain strong. In addition, strategically located areas on the Canada/United States border provide significant opportunities for the movement of illegal commodities and people without requiring large or sophisticated operations.
Exploitation and infiltration of legitimate business by organized crime groups plays a critical role in undermining public confidence in some legitimate markets while contributing to the resilience of many organized crime groups. Legitimate businesses enable groups to launder funds, facilitate criminal activity (such as through the use of import and export companies), co-mingle licit and illicit goods as well as further insulate many groups from law enforcement action.
