https://hdl.handle.net/10419/273973 Sun, 25 Oct 2026 04:55:15 GMT 2026-10-25T04:55:15Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/320691 Title: The impact of Russia's full-scale invasion on illicit cigarette trafficking from Ukraine to the European Union Authors: Krylova, Yulia Abstract: Criminal networks engaged in the illicit cigarette trade exhibit remarkable resilience in the face of external threats and the evolving landscape brought about by the Russia-Ukraine war. They adeptly navigate these challenges by swiftly altering smuggling routes, modifying their methods of operation, broadening their array of activities, collaborating with other criminal enterprises, and implementing innovative tactics. The financial recession and inflation in Europe provide additional incentives for smugglers to predate on increasing demand for cheap illicit goods due to the worsened economic conditions experienced by many households. Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has had a significant impact on cigarette smuggling activities both in Eastern Europe and the European Union, disrupting some of the previously popular routes, including land routes for smuggling illicit cigarettes from Belarus and sea routes for smuggling tobacco products from the United Arab Emirates, China, Turkey, and other countries through Ukraine's seaports to the European Union. Similarly, the war has affected cigarette production capacities in Ukraine. With internal production sites under pressure, illicit cigarette manufacturing has been moving to other European countries beyond Ukraine's borders, with criminal groups trying to overtake its market share. The current trend related to an increase in the number of illicit tobacco factories in the European Union demonstrates how fast criminal networks adjust their modus operandi to a new environment. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10419/320691 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/320689 Title: Mexican money laundering in the United States: Analysis and proposals for reform Authors: Correa-Cabrera, Guadalupe; Lewis, Charles; Yaworsky, William Abstract: This article explains some of the mechanisms through which corruption by high-level Mexican politicians and other organized crime members is facilitated in the United States through money laundering operations. The analysis is based on information contained in court records related to key money laundering cases, as well as in news articles and reports from law enforcement agencies. These materials highlight the interrelationships among U.S. drug use, cartel activities in Mexico, human rights abuses, Mexican political corruption, and money laundering in the United States. This work demonstrates the pervasive use of legitimate businesses and fronts in the United States as a disguise for criminal activity. Finally, it provides recommendations for a reformation of policies and penalties directed toward U.S. institutions and persons that facilitate money laundering. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10419/320689 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/320701 Title: Peripheral urbanization, informal real estate markets and criminal activities in Belo Horizonte (Mg, Brazil) Authors: Canettieri, Thiago Abstract: This paper presents an analysis of the relationship between peripheral urbanization, informal real estate markets, and criminal activities in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The study, based on ethnographic research conducted in two different peripheral areas of the city, reveals a clear connection between crime and the land market in these areas. The paper highlights how criminal agents exploit land properties to promote their illicit economic activities in peripheral contexts of the city. The unique pattern of peripheral urbanization creates opportunities for illicit agents to manage, control, and commodify spaces of informality, thereby facilitating their illegal activities. The main findings of the study underscore the significant impact of criminal activities on land markets, particularly the role of violence, coercion, and social legitimacy in the actions of criminals in real estate markets. The study also sheds light on the impact of informal real estate markets on the lives of people living in peripheral areas. By revealing the connections between crime, land market dynamics, and urbanization processes, this study significantly contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities at play in peripheral areas of Belo Horizonte. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10419/320701 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/320693 Title: Wicked ties: Understanding the crime-conflict nexus, its implications, and strategic motivations in the Russo-Ukrainian war Authors: Aranega, André Duffles Teixeira; Faccioli Fernandes, Ariel Abstract: Grounded on an extensive literature review derived from evidence-based studies (e.g., scientific articles, institutional and technical reports, journalistic evidence, academic books, and book chapters), our article develops a qualitative analysis to address the following question: to what extent do the strategic motivations of states and organized crime groups converge/diverge in the context of the current Russo-Ukrainian conflict? This article is divided into three parts. The initial section delves into the interconnections between illicit markets and armed conflicts. Secondly, after acknowledging the background of organized crime in both countries and the emergence of the current Russo-Ukrainian war, it highlights the implications of this conflict on the dynamics of illicit markets. Finally, it analyzes the strategic motivations of states and organized crime within this setting, as well as its points of convergence and divergence. This research potentially explores the frequently wicked ties of (inter)national politics and criminal adaptation during (post-)war times in Eastern Europe and within the international system. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10419/320693 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z