Personal Perception of Organized Crime

Personal Perception of Organized Crime

Carma McConahay

CJA/384 Criminal Organizations

Personal Perception of Organized Crime

When thinking about organized crime, the first thought that comes to mind is in the old days, and the Mafia, and Gangsters. Who participated in robbing, stealing, gun fighting, drugs, illegal gambling, illegal alcohol, etc. Any group of individuals that was breaking the law in a manner of violence or underhanded and was hard to catch. Having a corporate criminal organized assembly with the president or top man, followed by the vice president, treasurer, on down. Having followers following the commands of those above with the hopes of becoming a top man someday. Enlisting confidants such as people of the police force, legislature, and people to perform bribery. Along with any corrupt society service workers that could be compromised and allowed for the lawlessness and acted as a shield (Phoenix.edu, 2007). Organized crime was seen as nothing more than immigrants that took control in a violent way and was known as the Mafia, which included names such as racketeers and gangsters. The movies and media have given individuals an image of organized criminals as something special a little of the dark side of the imagination. The Mafia has been glorified, in many movies to the point that parents let their children dress like Al Capone for Halloween. However, after reading this week’s information, organize crime is so much more than what is seen in movies. Stories such as, 2013 Fraud and Organized crime involved in Medicare fraud scheme, 2011 Organized Retail Fencing scheme, 2013 Multi-year Investigation into Commercial Waste-Hauling scheme. These cases do not bring to mind the glorified thoughts of years past, like Al Capone. But these cases are just as much organized crime as the Mafia ever was.

2010 Seen one of the most significant insurance fraud schemes pulled off by American organized crime syndicates (FBI, 2010). 73 were arrested with indictments from five states. Various health care fraud related crimes involved more than 163 million dollars in fraudulent billings. Individual’s identities, including doctor’s tax information and identities were stolen. Once they had the names and information, Medicare would be billed for services that never happened (FBI, 2010). The money paid by Medicare then went into