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Criminal Markets

"It is abundantly evident that in a variety of ways organized crime enterprises diminish the safety, security and quality of life of law abiding Canadians."
Ontario Provincial Police, Commissioner Julian Fantino

National Overview of Criminal Markets

Criminal Intelligence Service Canada (CISC) examines organized crime in terms of illicit markets and the criminal groups/networks that play pivotal roles within them. Criminal markets are dynamic, reacting to global shifts in supply and demand, and changing according to domestic pressures such as competition and law enforcement disruption. The recent economic downturn, for example, is part of a global reality that impacts organized crime operations in Canada. This section is intended to provide a topographical look into some of the criminal markets that comprise the Canadian criminal marketplace.

Key Findings

There were approximately 750 criminal groups identified in 2009. Changes in numbers are likely reflective of an anticipated degree of fluidity in the criminal marketplace. Numerous other factors including disruptions by law enforcement, changes in intelligence collection practices or a combination of these also cause fluctuations in the identification of criminal groups.

Criminal Markets: Contraband Tobacco