Centro de Documentação da PJ
Analítico de Periódico
CD 341
Illegal rural enterprise [Recurso eletrónico] : developing a framework to help identify and investigate shadow infrastructures and illicit criminal networks / Robert Smith, Gerard McElwee
Policing: An International Journal, Vol. 47, n. 3 (2024), p. 447-460
Ficheiro de 153 KB em formato PDF.
CRIME RURAL, CRIME ORGANIZADO, CRIME NA AGRICULTURA, ROUBO
Purpose – This study builds on the extant research of the authors on illegal rural enterprise (IRE). However, instead of taking a single or micro case approach within specific sections of the farming and food industries we examine the concept holistically from a macro case perspective. Many IRE crimes simply could not be committed without insider knowledge and complicity, making it essential to appreciate this when researching or investigating such crimes. Design/methodology/approach – Using data from published studies, we introduce the theoretical concept of “Shadow infrastructure” to analyse and explain the prevalence and endurance of such criminal enterprises. Using a multiple case approach, we examine data across the cases to provide an analysis of several industry wide crimes—the illicit halal meat trade; the theft of sheep; the theft of tractors and plant; and the supply of illicit veterinary medicines. Findings – We examine IRE crimes across various sectors to identify commonalities in practice and in relation to business models drawing from a multidisciplinary literature spanning business and criminology. Such enterprises can be are inter-linked. We also provide suggestions on investigating such structures. Practical implications – We identify academic and practical implications in relation to the investigation of IRE crime and from an academic perspective in relation to researching the phenomenon. Originality/value – This study combines data from numerous individual studies from a macro perspective to provide practical solutions to a multifaceted problem.
