Transnational Organised Crime ─ A Comparative Analysis

Organised crime covers a wide range of activities, including drug trafficking, illegal trafficking of people, and fraud. The existence of a land border does not impede these operations, but is instead in many cases used to their advantage. In response, law enforcement strategies must include a transnational, multi-agency approach.

This book critically analyses the extent to which Northern Ireland and Ireland have been successful in implementing effective action against transnational organised crime. It explores the adoption of key law enforcement strategies and measures in Northern Ireland and Ireland, and evaluates how regional (EU law) and international (UN Convention) standards have been implemented at the national level. Drawing on interviews from over 90 stakeholders including the Department of Justice Northern Ireland, the Department of Justice and Equality in Ireland, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, and An Garda Siochana, Tom Obokata and Brian Payne discuss the factors affecting the effective prevention and suppression of organised crime, particularly in relation to cross-border co-operation.

As a book exploring challenges of transnational crime and cooperation, this book will be of great use to students and researchers in international and transnational criminal law, criminology, and crime prevention.

Tomoya Obokata is a Professor of International Law and Human Rights at Keele University Law School. Previously he taught at Queen’s University Belfast (2006-2012) and University of Dundee (2004-2006). Prior to commencing his PhD degree, Professor Obokata worked for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Regional Office of Japan and the Republic of Korea (1999-2000).

Brian Payne is a Lecturer of Criminology at the University of Gloucestershire, School of Natural and Social Sciences. Brian’s primary research interests lie in the areas of transnational organised crime, community policing and restorative justice. Prior to taking up this post, Brian was a Research Fellow at Keele University and worked on a major research council project entitled “North-South Irish Responses to Transnational Organised Crime".