************************************************* * Organized Crime: * * Imprints on New Brunswick Communities * * * * 2006 CISNB PUBLIC REPORT * ************************************************* Information included in this report was verified through open sources and intelligence documentation received from law enforcement in New Brunswick. The purpose of this report is to increase awareness of the impact of organized and serious crime in New Brunswick. CISNB recognizes the exceptional participation and work of the law enforcement community, government, private sectors and the public in providing pertinent information to assist in the completion of this report. Note: References to organized criminal activity associated to a particular ethnic-based organization in this report are not meant to suggest that all members of that specific ethnic group are involved in any type of criminal activity or that the government of the country of origin or its authorized agencies permits or participates in any illegal activities. These references allude to the illegal activities of particular criminal organizations, the majority of whose members share ethnic origins. Inquiries about this publication should be directed to: Director, Criminal Intelligence Service New Brunswick PO Box 3900 1445 Regent Street Fredericton, NB E3B 4Z8 (506) 452-2455 or 1-800-361-6622 This publication is also available at the following Internet address: http://www.cisnb-srcnb.ca Research for this report concluded in June 2006 and is based on information available until that date. ************************************************* * Message from the Chair of CISNB * * Assistant Commissioner Steve Graham * * Commanding Officer RCMP J Division * ************************************************* Fighting crime is everyone’s responsibility. Ordinary citizens constantly provide law enforcement agencies with valuable information. To be truly effective, people need to know what they should be on the lookout for.That is why it is with great pleasure, on behalf of the Executive Committee of Criminal Intelligence Service New Brunswick, to present you with the 2006 CISNB Public Report.This report offers a snapshot of some of the major organized and serious crime issues being tracked in New Brunswick by the staff at CISNB. Sadly, organized crime is not just a big city problem that happens somewhere else. Organized crime exists here in Canada, here in New Brunswick and here in our own communities. To fight organized crime we must be coordinated as law enforcement agencies in gathering, using and sharing criminal intelligence. This public report will help us do just that, by educating the public about the real dangers which exist here at home and providing tips on what can be done to deal with those threats. Organized crime groups, some possibly associated with terrorist activities, continue to pose the primary threat to public safety and security. Geography and borders mean nothing to them. To combat this threat, policing agencies around the world must continue to work together. Working together is what CISNB is all about. The people who work at CISNB are crucial in relaying the information the police need to ensure public safety. CISNB’s partners and the CISNB staff continue to do excellent work to keep New Brunswick and Canada safe. This report is the latest example of their dedication. ***************************************** Message from the Director of CISNB * Louis Lefebvre * ***************************************** Organized crime exists in New Brunswick and part of the Criminal Intelligence Service New Brunswick (CISNB) mandate is to inform policy makers and citizens of its scope and impact. It is with great hope, from myself and the staff of CISNB, that you find the contents of this report informative and enlightening. Law enforcement agencies make great strides every year to disrupt the illegal activities of organized crime groups in the province. Despite this, law enforcement and the citizens of New Brunswick must remain vigilant as new individuals and recidivists continue to look for opportunities and profitability in the perpetration of criminal activities. The type of criminal activities that are being detected in New Brunswick are only limited by the imagination of the perpetrators and technology offers them almost limitless opportunities. Illicit drugs are the key criminal market for organized crime in the province, however involvement in other criminal markets, such as motor vehicle and financial crimes, impact New Brunswickers. CISNB, its member agencies and the Government of New Brunswick will continue to work together to collect and share information and intelligence that leads to the targeting and disruption of organized crime groups in the province. ********************************* Criminal Intelligence Service * New Brunswick * ********************************* The Criminal Intelligence Service New Brunswick (CISNB) is one of ten provincial bureaus of the Criminal Intelligence Service Canada (CISC). The CISNB bureau was established in 1978 and is located in Fredericton, New Brunswick. CISNB supports law enforcement through the collection, analysis and dissemination of criminal intelligence. CISNB membership includes federal, provincial,regional and municipal police services, agencies and departments responsible for the enforcement of federal and provincial statutes. CISNB governance is provided by an Executive Committee representing the law enforcement community and the Department of Public Safety. Staff of the provincial bureau is comprised of police officers and civilian employees and law enforcement secondments from participating agencies. The bureau is funded through a federal,provincial and municipal law enforcement sector funding agreement and is administered through the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). ************************* Executive Summary * ************************* The purpose of this report “Organized Crime: Imprints n New Brunswick Communities” is to raise awareness with policy makers and the general public of the organized crime situation, its trends and impact. The focus of this report is the serious crime that organized groups are involved in within New Brunswick, as well as the key issues that contribute to their criminal activity. As a result, this report has been modified to reflect the key organized crime issues and provincial criminal markets. In 2005 law enforcement agencies throughout the province identified more than 50 organized crimegroups operating in various criminal markets. Criminal groups in New Brunswick vary in their level of sophistication. Some groups exploit unplanned opportunities for profit in a specific criminal market while other criminal groups are involved in criminal activities that have been thoroughly planned. Violence and intimidation are key factors in the realmof organized crime and are used in many cases for defence tactics, to protect turf and group members, to retaliate against other group members and for debt collection. Much of the violence and intimidation occurring in the province surrounds the illicit drug market and are often committed by individuals operating on behalf of someone else within a larger organized crime group. Similar acts of violence and intimidation extend into the prison systems as inmates use this for self-protection, retaliation and at times attempt to intimidate correctional authorities. There are reports of intimidation through technology, e.g., cyberbullying. Violence and intimidation are also used in other criminal activities such as prostitution. New Brunswick remains vulnerable to criminal exploitation of its borders and points of entry by criminals and organized crime groups whether it be by land, air or marine.The province has 2,306 km of coastline with two major ports, approximately 400 kms ofinternational border with the United States dotted with 19 ports of entry as well as multiple domestic and international airports. The primary commodity filtering through points of entry is illicit drugs. Other commodities, such as tobacco, firearms, currency, counterfeit goods and humans, also make way throughborders and points of entry in one form or another. Evolving technologies continue to facilitate the criminal activity of both individuals and criminal organizations. Due to the global nature of these crimes, jurisdictional issues pose a challenge. Financially motivated attacks are more prevalent and will increasingly involve organized criminals. Individuals and businesses that lack network security are more susceptible to cybercrimes. In New Brunswick, illicit drugs is the criminal market that organized crime is most commonly involved in and is highly influenced by organized crime groups in Quebec and Ontario. Firearms are being seized more frequently in conjunction with drug seizures. The majority of groups involved in the illicit drug market are independent drug-based organized crime groups that are involved in the production and distribution of many types of drugs. Although all drugs pose health and safety risks, methamphetamine has law enforcement and health care professionals monitoring its prevalence with concern. Increasing consumer demand for brand name products and low cost merchandise is driving an international criminal market in counterfeit goods. The Canadian counterfeit market is estimated at $20- 30 billion dollars annually and although organized crime groups dominate production in the international market, Canadian organized crime groups are involved in controlling the importation and distribution of counterfeit products. There have not been counterfeit goods seized in major retail chains in New Brunswick yet. In New Brunswick the most common counterfeit product seized are DVD’s, however they are being produced by individuals not organized crime. In 2005, New Brunswickers were victim to a wide variety of frauds including cheque fraud, payment card fraud, insurance fraud, Internet fraud, fraud within companies, Nigerian letter scams, telemarketing fraud and other telephone scams. Many New Brunswickers have been victim to ATM frauds committed by traveling Eastern European-based organized crime (EEOC) groups. In New Brunswick, to some extent, all organized crime groups are involved in money laundering.Their proceeds of crime are put into the legitimate economy by the purchase of goods, property, business, mortgage and other financialtransactions. Human exploitation is violent, controlling and targets every sector of society.Those responsible for exploitation include both organized crime and individuals, some of whom one would not suspect. Supply and demand from purchasers of these services whether physically or through technology, guarantee the success of those responsible for this crime. Exploitation can include human trafficking and smuggling, prostitution, child pornography, luring and child sex-tourism. In New Brunswick, the mostfrequently investigated exploitation offences relate to the possession of child pornography accessed and distributed via the Internet as well as prostitution of all ages. Victims are becoming younger and at times lured into the trade in places that are considered safe. Organized crime groups in New Brunswick and those traveling from neighboring provinces continue to be involved in motor vehicle crimes through activities such as theft to commit another crime, alterations to the vehicle’s identity (re-vinning/cloning), rebuilding salvage vehicles with stolen parts, the use of stolen motor vehicle stickers, false registration, tax fraud, staged accidents used for insurance fraud and exportation of vehicles that are stolen or have altered identities. Specific types of vehicles are popular in thefts, depending on the time of year. Criminal activity impacts the safety, health and financial situation of the general public. Cooperation among all sectors of society such as law enforcement agencies, private sectors, governmental and non-governmental agencies is crucial to effectively combat organized crime. ***************************************** KEY ORGANIZED CRIME ISSUES * Violence and Intimidation * ***************************************** Violence and intimidation are key components used to facilitate organized crime activities. Many criminal groups in New Brunswick use violence and intimidation as a defense tactic to protect their turf and group members, to retaliate against other group members,as well as for debt collection. Violence appears to occur most often between criminal groups and tends to be spontaneous, opportunistic and involve short-term goals that may benefit the entire group. More sophisticated groups operating in New Brunswick use individuals to commit violent acts on their behalf thus insulating themselves from their criminal adversary and law enforcement. Most of the violence and intimidation seen in New Brunswick surrounds the illicit drug market; however, violence and intimidation are sometimes used to commit crimes such as assault, break and enter, home invasion, robbery and theft that can often wreak havoc on local communities. Violence and intimidation can be used in an attempt to embed fear in the public and other criminal groups. Criminal groups such as outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMG) and street gangs are often feared by the public as they are known to display gang-related paraphernalia and engage in violent crimes. Gangs pose a threat to public safety as gang-related violence, e.g., assault causing bodily harm and drive-by shootings, often occurs in public places, although this level of violence is not seen in New Brunswick. OMG have been physically present in New Brunswick for over three decades and have a long history of associating with other OMG particularly in Quebec and Ontario. Members of OMG residing in New Brunswick are criminally active in the province mostly in the illicit drug market. Some of these members have been known to use violence for drug debt collection and to be in possession of firearms. OMG members in New Brunswick instill as much fear in the public and criminal community as organized crime groups that operate at the same level of criminality. It is OMG associates from outside the province that tend to instill more fear in the public and criminal community since they supply many organized crime groups. Law enforcement agencies throughout the province have identified several groups that could potentially evolve into street gangs. These groups, comprising mostly of adolescents and/or young adults, are involved in petty crime, peer violence and at times, random acts of violence, e.g., fighting. Their criminal activities are local in scope, mostly limited to one city or neighborhood, and unsophisticated. The purpose of these crimes appears to be for personal gain. Currently, the only influence or violence exerted by group members is mainly on peers. The potential for these groups to evolve into bonafide street gangs is recognized and is dependant on their self-identification as a street gang and their criminal intent. The threat exists for organized crime to recruit members of these groups to assist with their o p e r a t i o n s . Although the magnitude of the problem will always be greater in larger Canadian urban centres, law enforcement in New Brunswick will continue to monitor the development of these groups. Violence and intimidation often continue when organized criminals and associates are incarcerated. Prison gangs operating within federal institutions throughout the province use violence and intimidation mainly to control the drug trade inside prison walls, for self-protection and to retaliate against rival gang members.At times, attempts are made to intimidate correctional authorities. -------------------------------------------------- ***************************************************** “Prison gangs are most prevalent in the Atlantic Region Prison System and are created by inmates from a geographical area. They use intimidation and violence to control the drug trade. The violence has extended to the community and inmates in prisons across Canada. CSC has been able to reduce the power base of these prison gangs by separating the members.” Sandy Ward, Project Manager Security Division, Atlantic Region Headquarters Correctional Service of Canada ****************************************************** ------------------------------------------------------ Firearms are often used to facilitate criminal activities in order to protect oneself, one’s turf as well as to intimidate criminal opponents. Most of the firearms seized by law enforcement in New Brunswick are often taken in collateral seizures, e.g., drug investigations. Individuals involved in these seizures tend to be repeat offenders. Firearms in New Brunswick are acquired through a variety of means, e.g., theft from residences of legitimate gun owners as well as smuggled from other countries, e.g., the United States. The United States is potentially a viable firearms provider due to its close proximity to Canada and its less restrictive gun legislation. Also, of interest, New Brunswick has had some reports of guns being exchanged for drugs. Violence and intimidation can also be used in the sexual exploitation of children (SEOC) and adults. Generally, pimps and pedophiles coerce their victims through intimidation, fear, drug addiction and psychological abuse. Sexual exploitation offences pose a significant threat to the physical and psychological well-being of the individual. Technological advancements have provided a new vehicle for violence and intimidation. The Internet provides accessibility to a variety of resources that can facilitate -------------------------------------------------------------- ************************************************* “The Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs are consistently and continuously operating outside the boundaries of our laws and recognized Canadian values. The motorcycle gangs bearing the 1% patch in the Maritimes, such as the BACCHUS MC are no different. This is why law enforcement agencies in our regions must remain vigilant and continue to develop accurate and timely intelligence on the BACCHUS MC and other 1% gangs in the Maritimes.” Cpl. Steve Gourdeau NCO I/C Fundy Integrated Intelligence Unit, New Brunswick ************************************************* ---------------------------------------------------------------- criminal activities. For instance, the Internet is a means from which gang philosophy and paraphernalia can easily be obtained and copied, firearms can be purchased and sexual predators can lure their victims. The Internet and various communication devices are being used to harass and intimidate individuals. Law enforcement agencies throughout New Brunswick have received complaints of cyberbullying generally within the youth population. Violence and intimidation are often synonymous with organized crime. In New Brunswick, violence and intimidation are used sporadically as a defense tactic. Violence and intimidation will continue to be used as long as competition for criminal markets exists. ************************************************* KEY ORGANIZED CRIME ISSUES * Criminal Exploitation of International Borders * ************************************************* New Brunswick has 2,306 km of coastline with two major ports, approximately 400 kms of international border with the United States dotted with 19 ports of entry as well as multiple domestic and international airports. These points of entry whether by land, air or water are susceptible to exploitation by organized crime groups. The primary commodity filtering through points of entry is illicit drugs. Other commodities such as tobacco, firearms, currency, counterfeit goods and humans also make way through borders and points of entry in one form or another. ---------------------------------------------------------- ********************************************************** “Even though the presence of organized crime is not openly visible, we know that they have influence on the activities in the ports. Intelligence resources endeavor to break down barriers in order to provide accurate and timely intelligence and to determine the affect that organized crime has upon ports across Canada. ” Chief Jamie Bastrache Canada Border Services Agency, New Brunswick *********************************************************** ----------------------------------------------------------- Criminals and criminal groups in New Brunswick utilize the border points to facilitate their illicit activities. Activities range from smuggling for personal use to trafficking for profit. Organized crime groups seek associates in source countries that are able to supply different types and higher quality commodities, as well as to establish supply routes. Contraband is creatively concealed in packages or items placed into the transportation stream, whether it be via marine container, postal shipment, human concealment (body packing) or air travel. For the most part, the ability to establish a contact directly in a source country where contraband is produced, indicates a significant role in a crime group. Organized crime groups in New Brunswick generally rely on their associates within larger criminal groups in the country for acquisition of contraband from international destinations that produce specific types and qualities of illicit contraband, e.g., Colombia or Venezuela. The two major ports in the province, the Port of Saint John and the Port of Belledune have established routes with international destinations and service shipments ranging from small vessels to cruise ships and those capable of carrying large container loads. Below the waterline attachments are an international trend since organized crime groups recognize them as a method that is more difficult to detect. There have been efforts by organized crime groups to bring large amounts of drugs into the country via underwater parasitic attachments on container ships. In one case, the parasitic attachment was not destined for New Brunswick; however, it was transiting the province. The shorelines are spotted with a vast amount of inlets and coves that create prime locations for inconspicuous offloads and suspicious activity from small vessels and fishing boats. Vessels arriving from high risk destinations create an obvious concern however, it can not be forgotten that organized crime groups could at any time attempt to coerce, make association, infiltrate or implant an individual into whichever location is needed in order to facilitate the movement of goods. Therefore, those individuals with this type of access (whether it be port employees, crew members or those companies serving the ports) are a potential vulnerability to exploitation by organized crime. A new vulnerability to the Atlantic provinces is the establishment of a container shipping service to Halifax, Nova Scotia arriving from China due to over congestion in Western ports. It is anticipated that there will be more evidence of smuggling methods occurring in the Atlantic region that would have normally been observed on the West coast. Counterfeit goods are a popular commodity from Asian countries and will continue to make their way to all parts of Canada. Airports are exploited through the illegal movement of people and contraband. Exploitation of New Brunswick’s airports (both cargo and passenger services) is primarily through domestic travel. Domestic seizures in 2005 in New Brunswick occurring at airports, bus stations and couriers totaled over $2 million. Even though airport security measures have been improved, airport employees remain vulnerable to exploitation by organized crime. This type of activity is not limited to international or larger airports, but also remains a threat to small airports and landing strips. Unmanned border areas and fewer check points make land borders vulnerable to criminal exploitation. Criminals continue to exploit the unguarded portion that crosses through wooded areas and small rivers to bring contraband across the border with limited detection. Contraband of all types are smuggled across manned and unmanned land border locations in New Brunswick and are transported by couriers acting on behalf of a larger organized crime group or directly by the individual. Transportation is via boats, vehicles, ATV’s, snowmobiles, transport trucks or they may walk or swim themselves. All methods are extensively explored, well thought out and continually updated as targeting efforts succeed. The impact on any community is highly dependant on the commodity. Smuggling is the only method available to criminal groups and producers to transport a commodity from location to location. Detection at any point of entry is crucial in reducing the negative impact the commodity will have on a community. ***************************************** KEY ORGANIZED CRIME ISSUES * Technology and Crime * ***************************************** Evolving technology that benefits society also provides tools and opportunities for individual criminals and organized crime to commit crimes. Generally, technology can assist a crime such as extortion, fraud, identity theft and child pornography or it can be the target of a crime such as hacking and spoofing websites. ------------------------------------------------------------ ********************************************************* “Criminals are finding new ways to gain access into the lives of New Brunswickers through technology. The availability of high speed Internet access throughout most of the province has more people using the Internet to conduct their day to day business and communications.” S/Sgt. Al Langille NCO I/C Atlantic Region Integrated Technological Crime Unit ********************************************************** ---------------------------------------------------------- With regards to cybercrime, Internet fraud and the access, possession and distribution of child pornography via the Internet are the most common offences committed by New Brunswickers. New Brunswickers are targeting victims from around the world and are victims themselves of global technological crimes. The most common Internet fraud schemes reported in New Brunswick involve online auction sites such as eBay and the Nigerian letter scam via email. In online auction scams, victims purchase items on these Internet auction sites, however, never receive the goods or receive a counterfeit or less valuable item. Fraud committed via technology not only causes harm to consumers but also undermines consumers’ confidence in legitimate e-commerce and the Internet. Although the extent to which organized crime groups in New Brunswick are involved in cybercrime is an area that requires further intelligence gathering, cybercrime remains a threat to New Brunswick as cyber-attacks can have significant financial impact on individuals and businesses as well as compromise computer connections that control critical infrastructure networks. Cybercrimes, such as phishing, remain a threat to online users. However, it is malicious software programs such as Trojan horses, worms and viruses, spyware, botnets, and black market websites that pose greater financial and security threats. Botnets continue to be used in a wide range of criminal activities such as online extortion schemes and spam. Botnets can also be used to distribute or store child pornography. Botnets are formed with networks of computers with broadband connections that are compromised by malicious software. If appropriate computer security measures are not put in place, high speed Internet consumers, including those in New Brunswick, have the potential of unknowingly being part of a botnet as their broadband connections are required to form botnets. Fred-eZone, a community-wide wireless network in Fredericton, remains susceptible to evil twin attacks. As with many cybercrimes, evil twin attacks often go undetected, victims are unaware of such a presence while the attacker remains anonymous. The convenience of wireless technology may make it increasingly usable, and in turn make unprotected networks targets to cybercrimes. Residential and community wireless access zones may increasingly be targets to attacks as commercial public hotspots become more secure. In general, cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated and profit driven. Given the complexity of some cyber schemes, potential profits and anonymity, involvement of organized crime in New Brunswick is recognized. Technical experts are vulnerable to exploitation by criminal groups requiring their knowledge to commit cyber attacks on their behalf as well, technical experts may solicit their knowledge for profit. Black market websites offer various tools to assist cyber attacks. Black market websites may include the sale of illicitly collected data, malicious software programs and information on how to create and/or amplify a cyber attack. Many organized crime groups in New Brunswick use technology as a communication tool to facilitate their criminal activities. Computer/portable storage devices can assist in the organization of a group’s criminal operations, e.g., list contact names, potential victims, child pornography, etc. Both images and information can also be encrypted and/or hidden in other images/files (steganography) for storage or transmission to deter detection by law enforcement. Child predators operating in the province often use online services to network with like-minded individuals. Online services are also a means by which predators seek and interact with potential victims including children in New Brunswick. Furthermore, technologies such as digital and web cameras and camera phones allow predators to transfer, manipulate and even possibly create child pornography. Websites designed for children can also be a means from which predators may attempt to interact with potential victims. Evolving technologies will continue to facilitate the criminal activity of both individuals and organized crime groups. Due to the global nature of these crimes, jurisdictional issues will continue to pose a challenge. Financially motivated attacks will continue to be more prevalent and increasingly organized criminals will become involved. Individuals and businesses that lack network security will continue to be more susceptible to cybercrimes. ********************************* KEY CRIMINAL MARKET * Illicit Drugs * ********************************* Illicit drugs are the criminal market that organized crime is most commonly involved in within the province of New Brunswick. Independent drug-based organized crime groups grow and traffic cannabis (marihuana and hashish), as well as traffic cocaine, prescription narcotics (Dilaudid and Oxycontin) and chemical drugs (Ecstasy and methamphetamine). The majority of organized crime groups involved in the illicit drug market in New Brunswick are independent drugbased organized crime groups. Asian-based organized crime groups and outlaw motorcycle gangs are also involved but there are a lesser number of groups. --------------------------------------------------- ************************************************** "There is a misconception that prescription drugs are safer than street drugs. The truth is that when these drugs are misused they become extremely dangerous and can be fatal.” Sgt. Luc Breton Drug Awareness Services RCMP J-Division, New Brunswick ******************************************************* ------------------------------------------------------- The illicit drug market in New Brunswick is highly influenced by organized crime in Ontario and Quebec. New Brunswick groups rely on high-level organized crime groups in central Canada for their supply of cocaine, Ecstasy and methamphetamine, as they are involved in the importation of drug shipments from source countries and production in clandestine labs. Asian-based organized crime groups in New Brunswick are mostly involved in large marihuana grow operations, both indoor and outdoor. These groups are almost always another cell to larger organized crime groups in Ontario or Quebec. Their indoor grow operations are sophisticated and require specialized electrical expertise. Their marihuana is destined for the US market and is smuggled across the border by other cells in central Canada. Outlaw bikers in the province are involved in the production and trafficking of marihuana and the trafficking of hashish and cocaine. Their drug trafficking is conducted independent of the biker gang and is for their personal profit, not for the furtherance of the gang. Outlaw bikers in the province have little or no control over the illicit drug market in New Brunswick and work independently of outlaw motorcycle gang associates in Ontario and Quebec. The greatest influence of outlaw motorcycle gangs on New Brunswick is from gangs in central Canada. A large portion of the drugs that are available in New Brunswick come from outlaw motorcycle gangs in Ontario or Quebec. New Brunswick bikers do not act as a liaison between outlaw motorcycle gangs in central Canada and independent drug-based organized crime in the province. Local drug-based groups develop and maintain their own associations to outlaw motorcycle gangs outside of the province. Independent drug-based organized crime groups range in their level of sophistication. The groups with less sophisticated operations often have family and friends that form the structure of the group. This lifestyle is passed down through generations, leading to a continuity in drug operations. All members of these groups, including the leader, tend to be directly involved in the criminal activity of the group. These groups are most often involved in direct trafficking of illicit drugs and some may have outdoor marihuana grows. They obtain their supply of drugs from higher level drug-based organized crime groups in the province. These groups do not have the intent to increase their sphere of operations. Groups that have more sophisticated drug operations rely less on family ties and more on acquiring associations that can further their drug operation. The leader of these groups direct criminal activity and attempt to distance themselves from the drug operation. They have people who do the drug running, drug trafficking and monitoring marihuana grow operations. They obtain their drug supply from higher level organized crime groups in central or western Canada and supply lower and street-level trafficking groups. These groups also have as members, or as associates, individuals who have a particular knowledge or expertise to assist them. ----------------------------------------------------------- Some trends to note in the illicit drug market in New Brunswick are as follows: • The most common illicit drug continues to be marihuana, followed by cocaine, prescription narcotics and chemical drugs. • Drug-based criminal groups are often involved in multiple commodities, including illicit drugs, prescription drugs, tobacco, firearms, counterfeit goods and stolen goods. • Firearms are being seized more frequently in conjunction with drug seizures. • Crimes such as break and enters, home invasions, thefts, etc. are often a means to fund drug addiction. • Some people profit from selling their prescribed narcotics to drug-based criminal groups. • Prescription narcotics are smuggled to the US and sold for a higher price. • Increase in number of marihuana plants seized and grow operations dismantled. • Marihuana grown in New Brunswick is traded for cocaine. • Methamphetamine is now available in all areas of the province. • Methamphetamine is often sold as Ecstasy, as it is perceived to be less harmful. ------------------------------------------------------ Although health and public safety risks exist for all illicit drugs, methamphetamine is a chemical drug that is new to New Brunswick and has law enforcement and health workers monitoring its prevalence with great concern. It is a stimulant that causes euphoria and intense stimulation for up to 12 hours. It can be smoked, snorted, swallowed or injected and is very addictive. It can be produced almost anywhere, including large clandestine labs to the trunk of a car. Ingredients or chemical precursors are readily available in a pharmacy and hardware store. Clandestine labs producing methamphetamine pose a threat to the safety of the general population should a fire or explosion occur. As a preventative measure, legislated controls have been put in place to regulate the sale and purchase of large quantities of the chemical precursors and ephedrine ------------------------------------------------------- “Marihuana grow operations are no longer local "Mom and Pop" hobbies providing users with small amounts of the drug for personal consumption. The organized and sophisticated "mega grows", as witnessed in New Brunswick in September of 2005 represent the fuel that drives the financial engines of various organized crime groups. They represent a direct threat to our goal of safe homes-safe communities." S/Sgt. Robert Power Drug Enforcement/Border Integrity NCO J-Division New Brunswick -------------------------------------------------------- (and pseudoephedrine) has been put behind the counter at pharmacies in many Canadian provinces, including New Brunswick. There are also other public safety, health and environmental concerns with methamphetamine. Health concerns include addiction, overdose, Hepatitis C and HIV infection and exposure to toxic fumes. Clandestine labs produce chemical/toxic waste that is likely improperly disposed of in the environment. Methamphetamine addiction develops so quickly that users begin committing crimes to support the addiction sooner than other illicit drugs. Methamphetamine addiction can also cause paranoid and aggressive behaviour leading to random violent encounters. With a stable user base population, it is unexpected that drug trafficking will change in the near future. Methamphetamine will continue to gain in popularity and drug-based organized crime groups with more sophisticated operations will likely expand into the production of methamphetamine to meet demand. ************************************************* OTHER CRIMINAL MARKETS * Counterfeit Goods * ************************************************* Increasing consumer demand for brand name products and low cost merchandise is driving an international criminal market in counterfeit goods. Counterfeit products seized across the world include the following: clothing, jewelry, handbags, CD’s/DVD’s (music, movies, video games, computer software), batteries, extension cords, fire extinguishers and even pharmaceuticals, children’s toys and baby food. Luxury knockoffs now only account for 4% of the trade in counterfeits1. The global market for counterfeit goods is booming with estimates it could be worth $600 billion US and account for 5 to 7% of the total world trade2. The international criminal market of counterfeit goods is dominated by organized crime. The manufacturing, assembly and packaging is often coordinated and conducted in several different countries around the world. Organized crime is involved at all levels from the manufacturing to importation and distribution. Established drug routes are utilized to move the counterfeits around the world. China is viewed as the biggest source of counterfeit goods evidenced by their 18,000 trademark infringements, seizure of 7 million counterfeit goods in raids of 40,000 production facilities - all within the first half of 2005. --------------------------------------------------------- ******************************************************* “New Brunswick supports a fully integrated federal-provincial approach to combat organized crime. We believe that policing and security must be intelligence led. Through Criminal Intelligence Service New Brunswick and our Police Information Management Information Technology System (PIMITS), police forces in New Brunswick are able to develop and share intelligence, thereby reducing threats from organized crime, serious crime and terrorism.” Deputy Minister Louise Lemon Department of Public Safety ******************************************************** ------------------------------------------------------- The Canadian counterfeit market is estimated at $20-30 billion dollars annually3. Organized crime groups are not involved in the manufacturing of Canadian counterfeit goods but do control the importation and distribution of counterfeit products to both unknowing and knowing flea market vendors and bargain retailers. Counterfeit goods have been found in major retail chains in western and central Canada. There have not been counterfeit goods seized from major retail chains in New Brunswick yet. In New Brunswick, DVDs are the most common counterfeit product seized. The DVD counterfeiting operations are being conducted by individuals, not organized crime. It is generally accepted that organized crime is involved in other counterfeit items seized around the province, including clothing, accessories, hats, Louis Vuitton purses and sunglasses. Counterfeit batteries and extension cords are starting to show up at bargain shops in neighbouring provinces causing great concern over product safety. It is expected that they are also in bargain shops in New Brunswick. The quality of counterfeit goods has greatly improved and products can now be passed off as genuine or authentic, whereas counterfeit products were known to have observable flaws. Organized crime groups manufacturing counterfeit products are now reproducing safety certification so they can be sold undetected in retail stores. Products with legitimate safety certification have gone through inspection and have been deemed safe. Counterfeit goods, while they are cheaper to buy, are not subjected to any safety inspection and may pose a serious safety threat to anyone using the product. The production of counterfeit goods is a threat to the legitimate economy through financial losses to companies and possible job losses to those developing and manufacturing legitimate products. With an increasing number of counterfeit seizures in neighbouring provinces, it is expected that New Brunswick will eventually experience this trend. ********************************* OTHER CRIMINAL MARKETS * Financial Crimes * ********************************* Financial crimes erode confidence of Canadians and foreign investors in the integrity of financial systems, currency, governments, businesses and products. Preserving economic integrity means preventing activities that undermine faith in the economy. In 2005, RECOL.ca reports telemarketing fraud and telephone scams as the most reported economic crime by New Brunswickers, followed by on-line auction fraud (Internet fraud), identity fraud, counterfeit fraud (bills and payment card) and advance fee fraud (Nigerian letter scams and cheque fraud).The 2005 trend shows an increasing number of fraud complaints with the number of victims decreasing. Financial crimes are a key component of the criminal activity of Eastern European Organized Crime (EEOC) groups. EEOC groups have not established themselves in New Brunswick; however, groups from Quebec and Ontario have expanded their sphere of criminal activity to include the Maritime provinces. Many New Brunswickers have been a victim to ATM frauds committed by traveling EEOC groups. ----------------------------------------------------- ***************************************************** “It is important that we as a community acknowledge the presence of organized crime in our Region. We, the police of the financial crime world, are dedicated to ensuring this awareness and providing leadership in enforcing the laws that will guarantee strong economic integrity. We are here to stay, and are committed to ensuring our communities are the best in which to live.” Insp. John Coleman OIC Financial Crime, J-Division, New Brunswick **************************************************** --------------------------------------------------- In New Brunswick, to some extent, all organized crime groups are involved in money laundering. Their proceeds of crime are put into legitimate economy by the purchase of goods, properties, businesses, mortgages and other financial transactions. Banks are the most common entry point for money laundering, followed by cash purchases of high-end products. Leaders of criminal groups often put bank accounts, homes and vehicles in a family, group member or fictitious name in an attempt to insulate themselves from direct association to the proceeds of crime. Aside from money laundering, the majority of economic or financial crimes investigated in New Brunswick are being committed by individuals rather than organized crime. Independent organized crime groups in the province tend to be more involved in other criminal markets, such as illicit drugs, rather than financial crimes. Phonebusters reports that there were 302 complaints and 54 victims of telemarketing fraud in New Brunswick in 2005, increasing complaints from 250 and decreasing victims from 68 in 2004. Reports of telemarketing frauds exceed those of email, Internet, mail and door-to-door scams reported to Phonebusters. Telemarketing scams often use legitimate company names in order to give the perception of legitimacy but they do not represent that company. Scams make money by requiring that you pay something to obtain a prize, usually a vacation or high-end product. Identity theft can be used as a medium to facilitate such crimes as drug smuggling, human smuggling and terrorism. In 2005, 127 New Brunswickers were victims of identity theft, decreasing from 155 in 2004. People unknowingly give away confidential information about themselves that can lead to identity theft or identity fraud. The greater threat comes from the latter as the majority of criminals are committing identify fraud by using a stolen identity to drain bank accounts and obtain fraudulent credit cards. In most cases, the individual does not assume the stolen identity but uses it long enough to make some money. The majority of counterfeit bills are produced by organized crime groups outside of the province and are regularly passed here. New Brunswick experienced a decrease in the number of counterfeit bills seized in 2005, with 899 bills equalling $21,275. According to the Bank of Canada, $10 and $20 bills accounted for 87% of all counterfeit notes in 2005. Individuals have been successful at counterfeiting the new bills with added security features. An Ontario group was recently halted in early 2006 with $10,000 in counterfeit American $100 bills. Cheque overpayment frauds have been popping up across the province. Initial contact is often made over the Internet where an individual will ask you to cash a cheque on their behalf.They will have a convincing story as to why they are unable to cash the cheque.Your assistance will be rewarded as you may keep a percentage of the money before sending them the rest. By the time the cheque is determined to be phoney, the victim has already been defrauded. New Brunswickers, especially the elderly and the financially disadvantaged, are susceptible to scams that just might relieve their financial burden.The temptation to make a lot of money quickly and easily has seen many still fall victim to creative frauds, such as “too good to be true” investment and pyramid schemes.The scope of some of the incidents of fraud are vast due to the global communications network and is facilitated by continual increases in technology. Individuals who perpetrate this type of crime do not need to physically be in the province. As people become more comfortable with the ease of purchase and sale over the Internet, more and more people will be defrauded out of money and goods. The scope of economic crime remains a concern for law enforcement as some frauds and money laundering schemes reach beyond municipal, provincial and even national borders. These crimes test the meaning and application of integrated policing. This is just the beginning of what the future extent of financial crimes in New Brunswick could be. As criminal groups from Ontario, Quebec and overseas are already using New Brunswick as a playing field for their financial crimes, we will continue to experience fraud and money laundering schemes. ********************************* HUMAN BEINGS AS A COMMODITY * ********************************* The criminal activity of exploitation is borderless and occurs in many different facets such as international and domestic movement of individuals for the purpose of profit and personal gratification. Canada is recognized as a transit country for this activity and a desirable destination.The exploitation of humans is violent, controlling and targets every sector of society.Those responsible for exploitation include both organized crime and individuals, some of whom one would not suspect. Supply and demand from purchasers of these services whether physically or through technology, guarantee the success of those responsible for this crime. Human Smuggling and Trafficking There is a distinct difference between human smuggling and trafficking. The two often intertwined activities have key differences that are an important part to detect and determine the outcome for those victimized. Human smuggling is somewhat similar to trafficking, specifically the movement between borders and illegal entry into a country. However, the victim gives consent to be smuggled into a new location, usually to escape political turmoil or for promise of a better life. The relationship with the facilitator ends usually prior to crossing a border or after payment.The travel environment involved in trafficking and smuggling operations can be extremely dangerous and unhealthy to those being moved. Certain times a trafficker may attempt to ensure a victim remains healthy and unharmed while being transported so that they are in a position to begin paying off debt as soon as they are in the new location. New Brunswick has experienced human smuggling as recent as 2005. For instance, two men were arrested and charged for attempting to violate US immigration laws by smuggling humans (of Korean descent) into the US across the Maine - New Brunswick border. Human trafficking is the movement of a person through coercion and violence for the purpose of exploitation in another location.There is no consent to this activity and the relationship between trafficker and victim continues through debt bondage or being at the control of the trafficker. Payment is often made by way of sexual exploitation or forced labour and victims are of all ages, both male and female. It can be extremely difficult for law enforcement agencies to determine which activity is taking place as both could be occurring within the same group of victims and one would not know without following the outcome of the relationship. Due to the nature and scope of these activities, organized crime involvement is evident.There is a need for organization and knowledge of a method in which to transport individual(s) such as marine containers, air travel with false identification, or via land borders concealed in a vehicle or even walking across an unmanned border location. Routes can be complex in nature and the likelihood of detection is high.The accessibility to documents that would be considered close enough to genuine types is a sophisticated manner in itself. This further explains why often times multiple individuals are found being smuggled or trafficked at the same time. It may take months to coordinate and plan the appropriate method of movement that will be successful. Prostitution is a component of human trafficking. Organized crime is involved in prostitution globally and has gained a foothold in other activities of exploitation such as strip clubs, escort services and trafficking victims between cities and provinces within Canada. Prostitution is evident in New Brunswick however, the level of organized crime involvement is still an area that requires further intelligence gathering. Prostitution is not always the choice of the individual as they are often lured, drug addicted, physically, emotionally and sexually abused by their trafficker. The health concerns associated with the sex trade include exposure to sexually transmitted infections. Trafficking victims are a target of violence from both their clients and their traffickers. Sexual exploitation can have a very negative impact on the community that it occurs in.There is a threat to the younger population. Victims are becoming younger and at times are lured into the trade in places that are considered safe. The trafficker attempts to fulfill the youth’s need for acceptance. ***************************************** HUMAN BEINGS AS A COMMODITY * Sexual Exploitation of Children (SEOC) * ***************************************** Generally, the SEOC includes the following types of criminal activities: child pornography, luring, child prostitution and child sex-tourism. Despite the lack of identified organized crime groups involved in the SEOC in New Brunswick, the SEOC remains a threat to children in the province as modern communication technologies, e.g., the Internet, have enhanced opportunities to exploit children, permitted predators to go beyond borders deterring detection from law enforcement. A significant threat from the SEOC is the public health and safety concerns to exploited victims. The SEOC is often global in scope from which varying laws related to the SEOC, e.g., different age of consent, various definitions of what constitutes child pornography, etc., can pose a challenge to the investigation of these types of offences. Internationally, organized crime involvement in the SEOC is apparent. However, in New Brunswick, organized crime involvement in child pornography is still an area that requires further intelligence gathering. In New Brunswick, the most frequently investigated SEOC offences relate to the possession of child pornography accessed and distributed via the Internet. Provincial offenders are utilizing various online services such as news groups, chat rooms, emails, etc., to facilitate their crimes. These individuals appear to operate autonomously, however, the potential for organized crime involvement is recognized as the sale of child pornography is quite lucrative. The motivation of individuals involved in the SEOC in New Brunswick is personal gratification.There is no information to date indicating child pornography sites are originating from New Brunswick. In 2005, important initiatives undertaken across Canada to help protect children against the threat of sexual exploitation included the implementation of Bill C-2, the latest revision mainly to Canada’s child pornography laws, and the official launch of the Child Exploitation Tracking System (CETS), a national computer database. Key changes brought forth by Bill C-2 include a broader definition of child pornography, as well as it limits photographs of children with a nudity component for artistic merit/purposes. Another important revision made to the Criminal Code is that there are no more conditional sentences for child pornography. Also, Canada’s legal age of consent, set at 14, is lower than the age 16 standard held by many countries; however, legislation is currently under review. ---------------------------------------------------------- ********************************************************* “The Internet can be a tool to explore the world. However, people must be aware that there are those who use this technology to prey on the vulnerabilities and trusting nature of children for the sole purpose of abusing them.” Insp.Michelle Martin Operational Support Services RCMP J-Division, New Brunswick ******************************************************** -------------------------------------------------------- There are many contributing factors that facilitate the sexual exploitation of children. The growth of technology, particularly the Internet, provides convenient tools for criminals involved in the SEOC (see section on Technology and Crime for further details). A lack of supervision of children’s online activity, a lack of computer proficiency by many parents, as well as the constant luring by Internet predators, may also be contributors to the exploitation of children. New technologies will continue to pose challenges for law enforcement in detecting and investigating SEOC offences. It is believed that criminals will continue to exploit technologies that are readily available to commit their offences. New Brunswick criminals involved in SEOC offences will move away from traditional means of accessing and storing images such as (concrete) pictures, CD’s, DVD’s and computer hard drives to more sophisticated methods such as the use of wireless technology, video phones, portable flash drives, and encryption. Different laws in various countries and the increasing difficulty in the identification of victims amplify the complexity of SEOC investigations. ************************* OTHER CRIMINAL MARKETS * Motor Vehicle Crimes * ************************* The term motor vehicle crimes encompasses the many facets of crime that occur with respect to vehicles. Specific vehicles are highly prized as illegal commodities because they can be easily moved and are targets regardless of location. Motor vehicle crimes are recognized as being highly profitable, with little risk of detection and minimal jail time if the offender is caught. In New Brunswick, motor vehicle crimes are committed by individual criminals and organized crime groups. The groups vary from loosely organized and committing opportunistic crimes to highly organized involved in more complex operations. The primary goal of organized crime groups involved in motor vehicle crimes is profit and often these profits fund other illegal activities. Vehicles gained through organized crime are usually never recovered as they are often altered and sold at times double their value and shipped to international destinations. Organized crime groups also combine various levels of knowledge and may seek assistance outside their group to further the crime. For example one individual may obtain false identification for the vehicle, one may steal a similar vehicle to match the identification, one may then alter the vehicle’s identity and finally one may register it legally or arrange to dispose of it to rid the group of the vehicle. This can be an extensive process that requires sophistication. The origin of the request determines the need for contacts, both local and international. --------------------------------------------------------- Some trends to note in motor vehicle crimes occurring in New Brunswick are as follows: • Identified motor vehicle crimes include theft for transportation, theft to commit another crime, alterations to the vehicle’s identity (re-vinning/cloning), rebuilding salvage vehicles with stolen parts, the use of stolen motor vehicle stickers, false registration, tax fraud, staged accidents used for insurance fraud and exportation. • The vehicles most often stolen in New Brunswick are any offroad types (motorcycles, ATV, snowmobiles etc.) and popularity depends on season. Also frequently stolen are pick-up trucks and large tractor trailers often filled with goods such as wood, tires, etc. • Theft for transportation is most often committed by youth and at times the stolen vehicle may be used to commit other crimes followed by abandonment. • Some locations in New Brunswick may only experience thefts by criminals that are traveling through or within the province and steal a vehicle along the way that may be chopped for parts or sold later. • Criminal groups from Quebec have been recognized as traveling to New Brunswick to register stolen vehicles through criminal contacts in the province or by themselves through the registry system. • Insurance increases can be in part due to an increase in claims because of stolen vehicles. This affects every policy holder and is a national problem. ------------------------------------------------------------- New Brunswick has contributing factors to this illicit market such as the close proximity to Ontario and Quebec where motor vehicle crimes are being committed at a higher, more organized rate. The province also borders the United States and has one container port that broadens the geographic scope of this market. Motor vehicle crimes have a direct community impact. It is often thought of as a victimless crime as violence is rarely involved. However, communities need to be concerned with the safety of the vehicles on the road. If a vehicle has been rebuilt using stolen parts from multiple vehicles and sold through a used dealership or privately, the safety of the vehicle as well as its occupants are in jeopardy. Vehicles can easily be registered as regular, legal vehicles (non-salvage and at times newer models) than they actually are.The roads can be unsafe not only from poorly rebuilt vehicles, but also from thieves racing away from police. It is anticipated that New Brunswick may see an increase in movement of Quebec criminals visiting the province to register salvage vehicles. Quebec has implemented a procedure that requires all salvage vehicles to be inspected ensuring that original air bags are installed in each vehicle prior to being registered4. This small change has already resulted in changes in the way criminals do business in Quebec. It is more difficult for criminals to rebuild a salvage vehicle with stolen parts when an inspection is required in order to register it legally. Displacement to neighboring provinces such as New Brunswick and Ontario is expected and new methods will eventually filter their way into New Brunswick and the surrounding Atlantic provinces. Service New Brunswick offices will continue to be exploited by organized crime groups wanting to register stolen vehicles. Another form of deception would be the use of paper trails which can add confusion, conceal stolen vehicles and evade the tax process. ------------------------------------------------------- ****************************************************** “Auto theft is one of organized crime’s most lucrative businesses with very little consequences to the offender. It’s a crime which makes in many cases, a victim victimized twice. First their vehicle is stolen and then the insurance increases. Every vehicle owner is victimized.” Chief Gerald Francoeur BNPP Police Force ******************************************************** ------------------------------------------------------ ***************** Conclusion * ***************** Organized crime has made an impression in New Brunswick and will continue to do so as long as individuals and groups are able to derive profit, find acceptance within the criminal realm and maintain the ability to operate. Ongoing detection from law enforcement forces criminal groups to adapt and become more creative in their criminal endeavors. Law enforcement must remain cognizant of the new methods being used.Technology is not only improving communication and business operations for the general public, it is also being used to facilitate criminal activities that can now be conducted quietly and within a much broader geographic area. Organized crime groups located outside of New Brunswick are also an ongoing concern to law enforcement agencies. These groups not only establish contacts and working relationships with those residing in New Brunswick and are in fact operating in the province themselves. At times, this can have more of an impact on the province then those operating within. Proactive efforts to work together between law enforcement agencies provincially, nationally and internationally is crucial to succeeding in combating organized crime. Law enforcement in the province have leveraged their resources to create four integrated intelligence units located in Saint John, Fredericton, Bathurst and Moncton and two part-time integrated intelligence groups located in Edmundston and Woodstock. Representatives from multiple agencies such as the RCMP, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and various municipal police forces are part of the units in a full-time and part-time capacity. The mandate of the integrated intelligence units/groups is to collect, evaluate, collate, analyze and disseminate criminal intelligence within an area of jurisdiction and identify potential threats to that area. In addition, the units develop specific intelligence packages in support of each partnering agency/enforcement unit. The units will contribute intelligence to CISC/CISNB intelligence issues and markets and make significant contribution to intelligence led policing. Continued integration and ongoing public awareness are important to achieving success in combating organized crime. This report is an overview of organized crime, its key issues and criminal markets with intentions to raise public awareness and encourage collaboration between individual citizens, their communities, law enforcement and government in reducing the impact of organized crime in New Brunswick. For additional information or questions concerning this document, please contact the Criminal Intelligence Service New Brunswick at 506-452-2455 or 1-800-361-6622. ***************** Glossary * ***************** Organized Crime: A group, however organized, that a) is composed of three or more persons in or outside Canada; and b) has as one of its main purposes or main activities the facilitation or commission of one or more serious offences that, if committed, would likely result in the direct or indirect receipt of a material benefit, including financial benefit, by the group or by any of the persons that constitutes the group. (It does not include a group of persons that forms randomly for the immediate commission of a single offence.) Resource: Martin’s 2006 Annual Criminal Code Eastern European Organized Crime: Eastern European-based Organized Crime (EEOC) groups are primarily comprised of individuals originating from or with family ties to Russia and the other former Soviet Union (FSU), the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and the Balkan region including: Bulgaria, Romania, the former Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro, Macedonia, Bosnia- Herzegovina, Slovenia and Croatia) and Albania. Violence and Intimidation Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying refers to the use of information and communication technologies to antagonize and intimidate others. Outlaw motorcycle gang members: OMG have the following characteristics: normally wear patches with three distinct identifiers on the back of vest or jacket - top rocker (gang name), middle logo (gang crest) and a bottom rocker (geographic location they represent/control). These patches are commonly referred to as COLORS. Also, the initials MC (motorcycle club) are part of their colors. They normally ride Harley Davidson motorcycles, wear a 1% patch on the front of the vest or jacket, are involved in crime as a means of support and have mandatory runs (traveling from point A to B for socializing/partying purposes) as a gang. *********************** Technology and Crime *********************** Bot (short for robot): A bot is an application that automates a process. Only those bots that have been written with malicious intent are a type of cybercrime. Resource: Atlantic Region Integrated Technological Crime Unit Botnet: A botnet is a collection of infected computers. Resource: Atlantic Region Integrated Technological Crime Unit Broadband connection: A very fast Internet connection, such as via a cable modem or DSL. Resource: Gralla, P. (2004). How the Internet Works. Encryption: A method of scrambling data so that it can be read only by its intended recipient. Resource: Gralla, P. (2004). How the Internet Works. Evil twin: An evil twin attack is a type of wireless scheme set-up to capture personal information from persons using unsecured public wireless access points (hotspots). These attacks often facilitate identity theft, which in turn can lead to other crimes. Resource: Atlantic Region Integrated Tech Crime Unit Hacking: Hacking is described as deliberately gaining unauthorized access to a computer system, usually through the use of communication facilities. Resource: Furnell, S. (2002). Cybercrime: Vandalizing the Information Society. Phishing: Phishing, also called “brand spoofing” is defined as the use of fraudulent e-mails and websites designed to fool recipients into disclosing personal financial information. Resource: Atlantic Region Integrated Tech Crime Unit Spoofing: Website “spoofing” involves duplicating a genuine website with a fraudulent website with a similar Internet address. Spyware: Spyware gathers information about people without their knowledge, often by tracking an individual’s Internet activity, in many cases to deliver targeted advertising. It can enter computers via a virus. Cookies, which also gather personal information, are not considered spyware because they are not hidden. Trojan Horses: A Trojan horse is a malware that conceals itself as a legitimate program. Once executed, it can allow someone to control the computer system illicitly and remotely. Viruses: A virus involves distributing a program with the intention of corrupting a computer program. Resource: Furnell, S. (2002). Cybercrime: Vandalizing the Information Society. Worms: A worm is an independent program that self-replicates by sending itself to other networked computers, such as the e-mail program’s address book. Once created, it does not require human involvement to propagate. Illicit Drugs Clandestine lab: Secret or concealed location where illicit drugs are produced. Chemical precursors: Ingredients used in the production of chemical drugs. Financial Crimes ATM Fraud: The placement of bank card skimming devices and cameras on ATM’s in order to produce a duplicate card to access a bank account. http://www.phonebusters.ca) Identity Theft: Theft or misrepresentation of personal information, e.g., name, Social Insurance Number (SIN), credit card number for fraudulent purposes. (www.recol.ca) Internet fraud: Usually involves on-line auction sites where goods are purchased and not received. Money laundering: The “cleaning of money”, e.g., the practice of engaging in financial transactions to conceal the identity, source and/or destination of money. Nigerian Letter Fraud: Letters concerning the "request for urgent business transaction" usually the transfer of millions of dollars, sent to consumers and business' via mail, email and fax transmission. (www.phonebusters.ca) Payment Card Fraud: Production and/or use of fraudulent Interac or credit cards. Pyramid Schemes: Pyramid schemes are frauds that are based on recruiting an ever-increasing number of investors. (www.phonebusters.ca) Telephone scams: A telephone caller requests that you press a number on your telephone keypad which gives them access to use your long distance. Human Beings as a Commodity Child pornography: Child pornography refers to child abuse images. Criminal activities that relate to child pornography include the possession, manufacture and distribution of child abuse images. Resources: RCMP J Division ICE (Internet Child Exploitation) Unit and Cybertip.ca Child prostitution: Child prostitution includes soliciting, procuring and/or pimping a child under the age of 18. Resources: RCMP J Division ICE (Internet Child Exploitation) Unit and Cybertip.ca Child sex-tourism: Child sex-tourism involves traveling to a foreign country to engage in sexual activity with a child. Resources: RCMP J Division ICE (Internet Child Exploitation) Unit and Cybertip.ca Debt Bondage: A person being held and exploited against their will for the purpose of paying a debt to the trafficker/smuggler. Luring: Luring entails enticing or persuading a child to meet for sexual activity or assisting in arranging a meeting. Resources: RCMP J Division ICE (Internet Child Exploitation) Unit and Cybertip.ca