The enterprise of crime and terror – the implication for good business: Looking to the future – old and new threats

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider some possible future trends or developments in the fight against organised crime and the terrorist operating ostensibly within the business sphere, in the light of the threats, both present and future that such criminal activity poses, for society and for business activity in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines aspects in the future fight against crime and terrorism and the promotion of good business in this regard.

Findings

The conclusions drawn are far from optimistic. The government must, in pursuing policies and strategies to combat crime and terrorism, also be committed to the provision of adequate resources to the relevant investigating and enforcement authorities so as to ensure that these objectives are achieved. The “white collar” criminal operating within the business community can be a principal operator in organised crime and the terrorist cell. By their activities they ensure that organised crime and the terrorist are given the resources by which those individuals destroy our prosperity, intimidate individuals and perpetrate outrages such as 7/7 in London. Until those in authority can accept their responsibilities in this regard, we can make little if any progress in the war against organised crime and the terrorist.

Originality/value

The paper looks to the future in the fight against crime and terror, highlighting old and new threats and describing the implications for good business.

Citation

Scanlan, G. (2006), "The enterprise of crime and terror – the implication for good business: Looking to the future – old and new threats", Journal of Financial Crime, Vol. 13 No. 2, pp. 164-176. https://doi.org/10.1108/13590790610660872