Definitions of what constitutes organized crime vary widely from country to country. Organized groups are typically involved in many different types of criminal activity spanning several countries. These activities may include trafficking in humans, weapons and drugs, armed robbery, counterfeiting and money laundering.

Interpol acts as a central repository for professional and technical expertise on transnational organized crime and as a clearinghouse for the collection, collation, analysis and dissemination of information relating to organized crime and criminal organizations. It also monitors the organized crime situation on a global basis and co-ordinates international investigations.

Interpol’s mission in this regard is to enhance co-operation among member countries and stimulate the exchange of information between all national and international enforcement bodies concerned with countering organized crime groups and related corruption. Drawing on the wide investigative and analytical experience of its multinational staff, Interpol helps 186 member countries:

• identify, establish and maintain contacts with experts in the field
• monitor and analyse information related to specific areas of activity and criminal organizations
• identify major criminal threats with potential global impact
• pursue strategic partnerships with various organizations and institutions
• assist in finding solutions to problems encountered by law enforcement agencies (LEAs)
• evaluate and exploit information received at the General Secretariat from National Central Bureaus, LEAs, open sources, international organizations and other institutions
• monitor open-source information and reports
• initiate, prepare and participate in programs to improve the international sharing of information
• promote and carry out joint projects with other international organizations and institutions active in specific crime areas
• research, develop and publish documents for investigators
• provide support to member countries in ongoing international investigations on a case-by-case basis.

This enables the possibility of making links between transnational organized crime cases being conducted by national administrations that would otherwise seem unrelated. A special project will be initiated when it has been clearly established that there is real potential for further development.

Interpol currently has projects targeting organized crime in four areas of high activity:

• Project Millennium – targeting Eurasian criminal organizations
• Project AOC – targeting Asian criminal organizations
• Project Scream – targeting serial murders and rapists
• Project Bada – targeting maritime piracy
• Project Pink Panthers - Armed Jewellery Robberies committed by nationals of former Yugoslavia