Organised crime hidden threat to national Security 

Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested on March 3 at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport for allegedly smuggling 14.2 kilograms of gold worth ₹12.56 crore from Dubai. She had concealed the gold using bandages and tissues. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has now arrested a third suspect, Sahil Sakariya Jain, a gold dealer from Ballari, for allegedly helping Ranya Rao. Digital evidence reportedly links him to the smuggling operation. He is accused of facilitating the sale of smuggled gold and sharing the proceeds. Ranya Rao has been booked under the Customs Act and the Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, making this case a significant breakthrough in India’s gold smuggling network.

What is Organised crime? 

Organized crime refers to highly structured groups engaged in illegal activities for financial gain. These groups operate in a systematic, coordinated, and often violent manner, maintaining control over illicit markets and engaging in criminal enterprises.
Key Characteristics of Organized Crime:
1. Hierarchy & Structure: Led by a boss or leader, with ranks such as underbosses, lieutenants, and foot soldiers.
2. Illegal Activities: Involves crimes like drug trafficking, smuggling, extortion, money laundering, cybercrime, and human trafficking.
3. Secrecy & Loyalty: Members follow a strict code of silence (e.g., Omertà in the Mafia).
4. Corruption & Influence: These groups often bribe officials, law enforcement, and politicians to evade justice.
5. Use of Violence & Intimidation: Threats, extortion, and assassinations are common tactics.

How gold smuggling is an organised crime

Why Gold Smuggling is lucrative 

1. High Value, Small Size: Gold has a high value-to-weight ratio, meaning large amounts of wealth can be transported in small quantities. Unlike drugs or weapons, gold is easy to conceal, making it ideal for smuggling.
2. Tax Evasion & High Import Duties: Many countries impose heavy taxes on gold imports (e.g., India levies a high import duty), creating a strong incentive for smuggling. By illegally bringing in gold, smugglers avoid duties and sell at a higher profit margin.
3. Global Demand & Liquidity: Gold is a universally accepted commodity with steady demand in markets like India, China, and the Middle East. It can be quickly sold or melted down, making it an attractive asset for criminals.
4. Difficulty in Tracking: Unlike cash, gold is untraceable once melted or recast. Unlike digital transactions, which leave a trail, smuggled gold can be easily laundered into legal markets without detection.
5. Involvement of Organized Crime: Laundering money by converting illicit cash into gold. Finance other illegal activities like drug trafficking and terrorism. Bribe officials for protection from law enforcement.
6. Use of Alternative Routes: Gold is often smuggled through countries with lax regulations, like Dubai, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, before reaching high-tax destinations like India. Smugglers use airports, land borders, and sea routes to move gold undetected.
7. Minimal Risk Compared to Drugs: Unlike drug smuggling, which carries severe legal penalties, gold smuggling is often treated as a financial crime with lighter punishments, making it an attractive option for criminals.

Challenges posed by organized crime to national Security 

Govt. Measures and policy to combat organized crimes 

1. Strengthening Legal Frameworks
MCOCA (1999), PMLA (2002), UAPA (1967), NDPS Act (1985), IPC, Arms Act: Laws targeting organized crime, financial fraud, drug trafficking, and terrorism.
Companies Act (2013), Wildlife Protection Act (1972), POCSO Act (2012): Regulating fraud, wildlife crime, and child exploitation.
2. Specialized Law Enforcement Agencies
NIA, CBI, ED, NCB, FIU-IND, State ATS & STF: Investigate and prosecute organized crime and financial offences.
DRI & Border Security Forces: Prevent smuggling and cross-border crime.
3. Intelligence & Surveillance Strengthening
NATGRID, CCTNS, I4C, Digital Forensics: Enhancing crime tracking and cybersecurity.
Use of AI & Big Data: Monitoring financial fraud and online crimes.
4. International Cooperation
Interpol, UN Conventions, FATF Compliance: Tackling transnational crime and money laundering.
Extradition & MLAT Treaties: Facilitating criminal repatriation.
5. Border Security & Smuggling Prevention
BSF, ITBP, Coastal Security, Drone Surveillance: Preventing illegal arms, drugs, and human trafficking.
6. Public Awareness & Community Involvement
Crime Prevention Campaigns, Helpline Portals, Whistleblower Protection: Encouraging citizen participation.
7. Judicial & Policy Reforms
Fast-Track Courts, Witness Protection, Asset Seizures, Electronic Evidence: Ensuring swift prosecution and crime prevention.

Limitations and Challenges to Combat Organized Crimes in India

1. National Security vs. Human Security: Balancing national security and human security often leads to conflicts, especially when countering organized crime through surveillance and power-enhancing laws.
2. Excessive Police Brutality: The fight against organized crime sometimes results in police brutality, undermining trust in law enforcement. For example, in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, cases.
3. Transnational Nature of Crimes: Organized crime increasingly operates across borders, with syndicates exploiting international routes for activities like drug trafficking and human trafficking.
4. State-Sponsored Crimes in Border Areas: In border regions such as West Bengal and Punjab, organized crime thrives with tacit political support, complicating efforts to curb illegal activities.
5. Gray Zone Warfare Using Cyber Technology: The use of advanced cyber technologies by organized criminals has blurred the lines between traditional and digital crimes. 
6. Use of Advanced Technology by Criminals: Criminals are using high-tech methods to evade detection, making it difficult for law enforcement to keep up.
7. Lack of Effective Police Training: Law enforcement agencies often lack specialized training and equipment to handle specific crimes such as cybercrime, human trafficking, and money laundering. 
8. Lack of Cooperation Among Agencies: Cooperation among agencies like the CBI, Enforcement Directorate, and state police is often fragmented, which weakens efforts to tackle organized crime. 
9. Political Patronage to Criminals: Political figures sometimes protect organized criminals, allowing them to operate with impunity. 
10. Delayed Prosecution: Delayed legal proceedings often prevent swift justice in organized crime cases, reducing the deterrent effect. The slow pace of trials, as seen in the 1993 Bombay bombings, allows criminals to continue their operations without facing timely legal consequences

Recommendations to Combat Organized Crimes in India