Organised crimes are a group of illegal activities performed by criminals. The motive can be profit driven or political. The biggest and most common examples are terrorist groups which seek to gain power by destabilising regions and eventually take over nations. Other stronger nations also interfere in these unstable states so that they can gain influence in the region and have their way.
Venezuela happens to be one of the prime examples of such balance of power conflict. Already overrun by local gangs engaged in organised crimes, Venezuela also faces a political disaster after the results of its presidential elections stand to be disputed. This is a humanitarian as well as a political crisis. The opposition leader is being backed by a US led coalition of 60 countries, while embattled president is being backed by Russia, China, Cuba, Iran, and North Korea. The economy is experiencing hyperinflation and is on the verge of collapsing.
Venezuela’s geographical location with respect to the United States is very appealing to Russia which would gain power if it manages to sway Venezuela. Apart from that, Venezuela also happens to a country rich in natural resources such as petrol. The country has always been exploited because of that. On top of everything, organised crime is driving the country into chaos. They seek to extract the natural resources without interference from the government. If Venezuela fails, the whole region can fall into the hands of organised crime leaders. Already, the region of South America is unstable because of such groups including the countries such as Mexico and Argentina.
José Buscaglia, a scholar of Latin America who directs the Centre for International Affairs and World Cultures at Northeastern University, when asked if Venezuela is becoming the battleground for cold war said, “I have a different vision. I think it’s not about balance. It’s about the undermining of institutions and states, so that there can be a more rapacious sacking of resources.”
Organised crime is a concern for all. It keeps growing and operates sometimes without borders. International organised crimes are growing and are very difficult to track back to the source. It could be terrorist activities, cyber-crimes, or money laundering. They seek control and profit by any means necessary and must be controlled before they become a problem which cannot be contained.
Anushka Singh