IndexImpacts of organized crimeEconomic impactHuman impactImpacts on political and other systemsThe role of the media in organized crimeProblems faced in fighting organized crime Organized crime has transformed over the years in a global problem with law enforcement agencies and non-governmental organizations taking the initiative to stop the activities carried out by these organized criminal groups. Non-governmental organizations have also intervened to reduce society's involvement in organized crime activities. Organized crime has a wide range of illegal activities that are not authorized by governments and always operate under the radar; means that it is difficult to notice criminal activity (McCarthy, 2011). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Organized crime groups are normally grouped together and in many forms such as mafia, motorcycle gangs, drug syndicates, crime families, cartels. These forms are involved in illegal activities such as credit/debit card fraud, money laundering, theft, illegal drug trade and trafficking, human trafficking, and prostitution, among others. Government agencies have developed definitions of organized crime and these definitions differ and create problems for legal agencies in prosecuting organized criminal groups (McCarthy, 2011). In Canada, membership in an organized criminal group is legally described by participation in and assistance in the group's illegal activities. Other organizations such as the United Nations have joined the war against organized crime, and the standard definition is characterized by the coordination of three or more people who have the criminal intent to gain financial or other benefits from a crime. The Canadian government and law enforcement agencies have formulated reports on the increase of organized crime in the nation and the transnational activities of organized crime and this has contributed to the fight against organized crime in Canada. The objective of this article is to explore the activities of organized crime in Canada and its effects on businesses and the overall economy (McCarthy, 2011). Impacts of Organized Crime Organized criminal groups in every society engage in criminal and illegal activities. Members of these groups operate based on the impact they have on society and the ways they employ to gain control of different aspects of society. Organized crime groups use tactics such as violence, instilling fear, intimidation and excessive methods such as murder to gain control of the country or area in which they operate. The activities of organized crime groups have negative impacts in society ranging from political, social and legal aspects of a country (McCarthy, 2011). Economic Impact Organized criminal groups engage in illegal activities that have a negative impact on the economy. The operation and success of legal businesses is limited, and there is a threat of collapse of legal businesses that contribute to the economy and possible collapse of businesses. Illegal businesses run by organized crime groups prevent legal businesses from adapting to supply and demand market conditions and therefore the entry of organized crime groups into the market has contributed to the failure of legal businesses (McCarthy, 2011). In addition to business circles, financial sectors of the economy are threatened by organized crime. This is because organized crimeleads to monopoly in the economic and financial sector. The methods used by organized criminal groups such as intimidation to gain control. Gaining control in these sectors leads to unfair competition and therefore negative effects on the economy and financial sectors (McCarthy, 2011). Due to the illegal nature of the activities of organized criminal groups, these groups engage in commercial activities using large amounts of money. This money is illegal and therefore these groups engage in commercial activities in an attempt to integrate their illegal money into legal banking systems. This has a negative impact on the monetary and banking system as it increases money laundering activities. Organized crime activities limit the growth of the economy and their involvement in the creation of illegal wealth influences financial and political systems (McCarthy, 2011). Human impactOrganized criminal groups operate in society by instilling fear in citizens. They acquire territories where they are based and carry out their illegal activities. They gain control by using tactics of violence and intimidation. They maintain control over their territories and carry out activities such as drug trafficking, human trafficking and petty theft, credit/debit card fraud to finance their activities (McCarthy, 2011). Organized crime activities disrupt order in society in the sense that people live in fear, and due to the tactics of these groups, law enforcement intervention is limited due to intimidation of law enforcement and people willing to report their activities. Organized criminal groups commit murders and attempted murders against people involved in an attempt to stop or report their activities (McCarthy, 2011). Impacts on politics and other systems Organized criminal groups have the need to operate autonomously and the need to be protected by the government and government agencies. Organized crime groups infiltrate the political system and use acts of corruption in an attempt to gain the upper hand in the political class and even control. The political system is essential in determining various government policies and therefore gaining control of the political class limits efforts to put an end to organized crime groups and activities (McCarthy, 2011). Furthermore, the organized criminal group proves to be a threat in destabilizing the legal system of a country. These groups are involved in massive corruption where justice systems are compromised and thus inability to prosecute members of the groups. Law enforcement agencies are also subject to corruption and therefore it is difficult to combat organized crime and therefore the negative impacts on society and the economy (McCarthy, 2011). Due to the tactics used by organized criminal groups, the impact on law enforcement has increased. Organized criminal groups practice intimidation, threats and murder to control the political, legal and judicial systems and therefore the fight against organized crime faces this challenge. These tactics to gain control can lead to the destabilization of relevant systems in government (McCarthy, 2011). The role of the media in organized crime Organized criminal groups operate through fear and control tactics. The media is responsible for communication and is responsible for reporting on the activities of organized groups and reporting on these groups. This increases the fear of society and the spread of fear. Just like other systems, the media is subject to corruption, intimidation and threats from these groups.