This book offers a global approach to organized crime and the multitude of forces that shape it, discusses various forms around the world and contemporary issues such as terrorism and cybercrime, and examines its investigation and prevention.

In the maelstrom of globalization and cyberspace, organized crime continues to defy definition. A diverse array of activities is perpetuated by criminal organizations, criminal groups and associations, and gangs, and it is clear that one specific label is no longer adequate. This book offers a uniquely global approach to organized crime and the multitude of forces that shape it in the 21st century.

As well as discussing definitions of and the historical roots of organized crime, this book examines various forms of organized crime around the world in the US, Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean, Russia and Europe, Asia and Africa. This revised and updated new edition includes coverage of:

• the rise of the 'Ndrangheta in Italy and their global expansion;
• the impact of drug legalization on organized crime and the problem of methamphetamine;
• organ trading, money laundering, and animal poaching;
• changes in gang traditions and gangland penitentiaries;
• the decentralization of Mexican cartels, the growth of opium production in Myanmar, and the drug war in Africa; and
• the advancement of ISIS and the emergence of the Silk Road and the Dark Net.

This book is essential reading for students engaged in the study of global and transnational organized crime, with features including chapter overviews, key terms, critical thinking questions, and case studies.

"Global Organized Crime offers a comprehensive coverage on both the histories and present developments of criminal enterprises around the world. A gallant attempt at synthesizing complex research literature into accessible materials for instructional purposes. A great resource for instructors everywhere who aspire to elevate their students to higher levels of sophistication in their global awareness of the organized forces that are either parasitic or disruptive to the status quo economic and political systems." ? Sheldon Zhang, Chair of School of Criminology and Justice Studies, University of Massachusetts Lowell, USA "This book provides readers with a unique historical and international perspective. Mitchel Roth engages the reader from the very first page. This is, by far, the most comprehensive and well-researched scholarly work available on global organized crime." Robert Worley, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Lamar University, USA "Roth's book arguably represents the most comprehensive, wide-ranging and ambitious single-authored textbook to attempt to tell the story of organised crime across the globe and it should prove valuable to students and teachers in this field alike."Xavier L'Hoiry, University of Sheffield, UK, Policing and Society