Transnational organized crime in East and South-East Asia

The significance of transnational organized crime as both a global and national threat has only recently been elevated as a ‘clear and present danger’ for international security. The varieties of cross-border crime have become a concern for both ‘low’ (domestic police) and ‘high’ security (national and regional security). A consequential challenge has been to integrate the national, regional and international security response such that traditional policing (criminal justice), military and national security agencies can work more effectively and seamlessly in reducing the harm of transnational organized crime. This chapter discusses the challenges of effective counter measure against organized crime and reviews the efforts of ASEAN and others.