has four predominant themes: the nature and central concepts of organised crime the specific activities with which it is associated its origins and growth nationally, regionally and globally the efforts by the international community and law enforcement agencies to contain, regulate and control the risks that it poses. The book contains a number of detailed case studies illustrating the growth of organised crime at national, international and transnational levels, ranging from the mafia, criminal gangs in the UK through to the new wave of organised crime in Russia and the post-Soviet states. It will be essential reading for both students and practitioners in the police and other law enforcement agencies who have a concern with organised crime worldwide.