The United States is implementing a new strategy to counter transnational organized crime (TOC) and its

associated threats. The strategy aims to raise international awareness of the TOC threat, galvanize
multilateral action to constrain its reach and influence, deprive TOC of its enabling means and
infrastructure, shrink the threat TOC poses to citizen safety, national security, and governance, and
ultimately defeat the TOC networks that pose the greatest threat to national security.

The strategy will establish an interagency Threat Mitigation Working Group to identify TOC networks
that present a sufficiently high national security threat and ensure the coordination of all elements of
national power to effectively protect borders, people, economy, and financial system from the threats
posed by the most dangerous and sophisticated of these transnational criminal networks.

The strategy also aims to help partner countries strengthen governance and transparency, break the
corruptive power of TOC, and sever state-crime alliances. It will also break the economic power of TOC
networks and protect strategic markets and the U.S. financial system from TOC penetration and abuse.

Finally, the strategy will build international consensus, multilateral cooperation, and public-private
partnerships to defeat TOC networks. This includes building new partnerships with industry, finance,
academia, civil society, and non-governmental organizations, ensuring the freedom of the press, and
furthering international norms against tolerating or sponsoring crime in all its forms, including in
cyberspace.

The paragraph outlines a comprehensive strategy by the United States to counter transnational
organized crime (TOC) and mitigate its associated threats. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of
TOC and its significant impact on global security, governance, and economic stability, the strategy
aims to address various dimensions of the problem through coordinated, multilateral action.

One of the primary objectives of the strategy is to raise international awareness of the TOC threat. By
increasing global understanding of the nature and scope of transnational criminal activities, the
United States seeks to mobilize collective action among nations to confront and counter TOC
effectively. This involves galvanizing multilateral efforts to constrain the reach and influence of TOC
networks, thereby enhancing border security, protecting citizens, and safeguarding national interests.

Furthermore, the strategy aims to deprive TOC of its enabling means and infrastructure, including
financial resources and corruptive networks. By disrupting the financial operations of TOC networks
and strengthening governance and transparency in partner countries, the United States seeks to
undermine the economic power of TOC and sever state-crime alliances. This not only protects
strategic markets and financial systems but also enhances the rule of law and promotes good
governance globally.

Additionally, the strategy emphasizes the importance of building international consensus,

multilateral cooperation, and public-private partnerships to defeat TOC networks effectively. This
includes forging new alliances with industry, finance, academia, civil society, and non-governmental
organizations to combat TOC from multiple angles. By leveraging diverse resources, expertise, and
perspectives, the United States aims to enhance its capacity to disrupt TOC networks, protect
vulnerable populations, and uphold the principles of democracy, freedom, and human rights.
Moreover, the strategy underscores the importance of ensuring the freedom of the press and
furthering international norms against tolerating or sponsoring crime in all its forms, including in
cyberspace. By promoting transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law, the United
States seeks to counter the impunity enjoyed by TOC networks and strengthen global efforts to
combat criminal activities in both physical and virtual domains.

In conclusion, the United States' strategy to counter transnational organized crime represents a
concerted effort to confront one of the most significant threats to global security and stability.
Through coordinated action, strategic partnerships, and commitment to democratic values, the
United States aims to dismantle TOC networks, protect national interests, and advance the cause of
justice and freedom worldwide.

To disrupt the Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) network, the US must address the causes within its
borders that fuel and empower TOC. The demand for illegal drugs within the US fuels a significant share
of the global drug trade, which is a primary funding source for TOC networks and a key source of
revenue for some terrorist and insurgent networks. The President's National Drug Control Strategy
focuses on prevention, early intervention, treatment, and innovative criminal justice approaches to drive
down drug use. The US must also stop the illicit flow of weapons and criminal proceeds that empower
TOC networks. The US will work with international partners to build law enforcement capacities,
strengthen judicial institutions, and combat corruption. The proposed actions include reducing illicit
drug demand in the US, attacking drug trafficking networks, severing illicit flows across borders,
addressing corporate and governmental corruption, working with Congress to secure ratification of the
Inter American Convention against Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Ammunition,
Explosives and Other Related Materials, and seeking accession to the Protocol against Illicit
Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms.

The paragraph highlights the importance of addressing domestic factors that contribute to and
empower transnational organized crime (TOC), particularly within the United States. It emphasizes
the need for comprehensive strategies that target the root causes of TOC, including the demand for
illegal drugs, illicit flows of weapons, and criminal proceeds, as well as corporate and governmental
corruption.

One of the primary drivers of TOC, as noted in the paragraph, is the demand for illegal drugs within
the United States. This demand fuels a significant portion of the global drug trade, providing TOC
networks with a lucrative source of revenue. To combat this, the President's National Drug Control
Strategy focuses on a range of approaches, including prevention, early intervention, treatment, and
innovative criminal justice measures aimed at reducing drug use domestically. By addressing the
demand for illegal drugs, the United States aims to disrupt the financial underpinnings of TOC
networks and reduce their ability to operate and expand.

Moreover, the paragraph highlights the need to halt the illicit flow of weapons and criminal proceeds
that empower TOC networks. This involves strengthening law enforcement capacities, bolstering
judicial institutions, and combating corruption both domestically and internationally. By working with
international partners, the United States aims to disrupt the transnational networks that facilitate the
movement of illicit goods and funds across borders, thereby undermining TOC operations and
reducing their impact on global security.

Additionally, the proposed actions include measures to address corporate and governmental
corruption, which can serve as enablers for TOC activities. By promoting transparency, accountability,
and integrity in both the public and private sectors, the United States aims to reduce opportunities
for TOC networks to exploit weaknesses and evade detection.

Furthermore, seeking ratification of international conventions and protocols, such as the Inter-
American Convention against Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Ammunition,
Explosives, and Other Related Materials, demonstrates a commitment to strengthening international
cooperation in combating TOC. By aligning with global efforts to combat the illicit trade in firearms
and related materials, the United States aims to disrupt the supply chains that sustain TOC networks
and enhance international security.

In conclusion, addressing the root causes of TOC within its borders is crucial for the United States to
effectively disrupt transnational criminal networks and reduce their impact on global security and
stability. By implementing comprehensive strategies that target drug demand, illicit flows of weapons
and funds, and corruption, the United States aims to weaken TOC networks and protect the safety
and well-being of its citizens and those around the world. Collaboration with international partners
and adherence to international conventions further strengthen these efforts and enhance the
collective response to transnational organized crime.

The US has shifted its intelligence collection priorities since the September 11, 2001 attacks, leaving gaps
in TOC-related intelligence. The TOC threat has grown in complexity over the past 15 years, making
targeting it increasingly difficult. To enhance intelligence, collaboration with law enforcement
authorities and sharing with foreign counterparts is necessary. The aim is to enhance intelligence based
on signals intelligence, human intelligence, and open sources intelligence. The Administration will
review its current intelligence priorities and determine how best to enhance intelligence against high-
level TOC threats to national security. Priorities include enhancing SIGINT and HUMINT collection, using
the Open Source Center, coordinating with the International Organized Crime Intelligence and
Operations Center, expanding screening capabilities in TOC "hotspots," developing protocols for
disrupting TOC activities, using specialized intelligence centers, and enhancing Department of Defense
support to law enforcement. The US should enhance intelligence collection, analysis, and
counterintelligence on terrorist organizations (TOC) posing the greatest threat to national security. This
includes developing synergies between intelligence analysts, collectors, and counterintelligence
personnel, strengthening ties among US intelligence, law enforcement, and military entities, and
fostering stronger relationships among authorities. The National Intelligence Priorities Framework
should be updated, and the National Counterproliferation Center should develop a plan to assess TOC
and WMD proliferators. The Special Operations Division (SOD) is a DEA-led multi-agency operations
coordination center established in 1994 to dismantle national and international trafficking organizations
by attacking their command and control communications. It provides law enforcement agents with
timely investigative information to exploit Federal law enforcement's investigative authority under Title
III of the U.S. Code. The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Fusion Center (OCDETF) Fusion
Center (OFC) serves as a central data warehouse for drug intelligence, financial intelligence, and related
investigative information, aiming to create comprehensive intelligence pictures of targeted
organizations. The International Organized Crime Intelligence and Operations Center (IOC-2) was
established in May 2009 to marshal resources and information of U.S. law enforcement agencies and
Federal prosecutors to collectively combat threats posed by international criminal organizations. The
National Bulk Cash Smuggling Center (BCSC) was established in 2009 to combat bulk cash smuggling and
provide real-time investigative assistance to Federal, State, and local officers involved in enforcement
and interdiction. The Border Intelligence Fusion Section (BIFS) at the El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC)
was established in November 2010 to provide U.S. law enforcement, border enforcement, and
investigative agencies with multi-source intelligence and law enforcement information to support
investigations, interdictions, and other law enforcement operations related to the Southwest border.

The paragraph provides a detailed overview of the United States' intelligence collection priorities and
efforts in combating transnational organized crime (TOC) since the September 11, 2001 attacks. It
highlights the evolving nature of the TOC threat and the necessity for enhancing intelligence
capabilities to effectively address this complex challenge.

One significant aspect highlighted is the shift in intelligence collection priorities following the 9/11
attacks, which has resulted in some gaps in TOC-related intelligence. Recognizing the growing
complexity of the TOC threat over the past 15 years, the United States aims to enhance intelligence
collection and collaboration with both domestic and foreign law enforcement authorities. This
involves leveraging various intelligence sources, including signals intelligence (SIGINT), human
intelligence (HUMINT), and open-source intelligence (OSINT), to gather comprehensive insights into
TOC activities.

Moreover, the paragraph outlines a series of priorities and initiatives aimed at enhancing intelligence
against high-level TOC threats to national security. This includes strengthening SIGINT and HUMINT
collection, expanding screening capabilities in TOC "hotspots," and developing protocols for
disrupting TOC activities. Additionally, the United States seeks to foster stronger synergies among
intelligence analysts, collectors, and counterintelligence personnel to improve coordination and
collaboration in combating TOC.

Furthermore, the paragraph highlights the establishment of various specialized intelligence centers
and operations coordination centers to support intelligence collection and analysis efforts. These
include the Special Operations Division (SOD), the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force
Fusion Center (OCDETF), the International Organized Crime Intelligence and Operations Center (IOC-
2), the National Bulk Cash Smuggling Center (BCSC), and the Border Intelligence Fusion Section
(BIFS) at the El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC). These centers serve as vital hubs for coordinating
resources, sharing information, and supporting law enforcement agencies in their efforts to
dismantle TOC networks and disrupt their illicit activities.
In conclusion, the paragraph underscores the United States' commitment to enhancing intelligence
collection, analysis, and collaboration to counter the evolving threat posed by transnational
organized crime. By leveraging a range of intelligence sources, strengthening partnerships with
domestic and international counterparts, and establishing specialized intelligence centers, the United
States aims to improve its capacity to identify, disrupt, and dismantle TOC networks operating both
domestically and abroad. These efforts are crucial for safeguarding national security, protecting
citizens, and upholding the rule of law in an increasingly interconnected and complex global
environment.

Transnational criminals are increasingly sophisticated and entrepreneurial, posing a threat to free
markets and financial systems critical to the global economy. They disregard laws and norms that
legitimate businesses respect, eroding market integrity and competitiveness. The United States aims to
detect, disrupt, and reduce the economic power of transnational criminal networks (TOC) by closely
following strategic and emerging markets for indicators of criminal interest. The US will work with
international partners to deter or sever crime-state alliances, raise awareness to alert businesses that
may be unwitting facilitators for criminal enterprises, and develop appropriate safeguards to protect the
legitimate flow of trade and investment.

However, some TOC activity is harder to detect and deter, and the US will focus on IPR violations and
cybercrimes due to their impact on the economy and consumer health and safety. The US will enhance
and apply financial tools and sanctions more effectively to close vulnerabilities, disrupt and dismantle
illicit financial networks, and apply pressure on state entities that directly or indirectly support TOC.

Actions include implementing a new Executive Order to prohibit transactions and block assets under U.S.
jurisdiction of TOC networks and their associates that threaten critical U.S. interests, preventing or
disrupting criminal involvement in emerging and strategic markets, increasing awareness and providing
incentives for the private sector to reduce facilitation of TOC, developing a mechanism to make
unclassified data on TOC available to private sector partners, implementing the Administration's joint
strategic plan on intellectual property enforcement, enhancing domestic and foreign capabilities to
combat the increasing involvement of TOC networks in cybercrime, working with Congress to enact
legislation requiring disclosure of beneficial ownership information of legal entities at the time of
company formation, and supporting the work of the Financial Action Task Force.

The paragraph provides insight into the evolving nature of transnational

organized crime (TOC) and the United States' efforts to combat its detrimental
impact on free markets and financial systems globally. It underscores the
sophisticated and entrepreneurial nature of transnational criminals, who
operate with disregard for laws and norms, posing a significant threat to
market integrity and competitiveness.
One key strategy outlined is the United States' focus on detecting, disrupting,
and reducing the economic power of TOC networks by closely monitoring
strategic and emerging markets for indicators of criminal interest. This
proactive approach aims to deter or sever crime-state alliances, raise
awareness among businesses to prevent unwitting facilitation of criminal
enterprises, and implement appropriate safeguards to protect legitimate trade
and investment flows.

Moreover, the paragraph highlights the United States' commitment to

combating specific types of TOC activity that pose significant economic and
societal risks, such as intellectual property rights (IPR) violations and
cybercrimes. Recognizing the impact of these crimes on the economy and
consumer health and safety, the United States aims to enhance financial tools
and sanctions to close vulnerabilities, disrupt illicit financial networks, and
apply pressure on state entities that support TOC.

Furthermore, a series of actions are proposed to strengthen the United States'

response to TOC, including implementing new executive orders, increasing
awareness and incentivizing private sector cooperation, enhancing domestic
and foreign capabilities to combat cybercrime, and supporting international
efforts through organizations like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Additionally, legislative measures are suggested to address beneficial

ownership transparency and disclosure, aiming to enhance accountability and
transparency in corporate structures and prevent the misuse of legal entities
for illicit purposes.

In conclusion, the paragraph highlights the multifaceted approach adopted by

the United States to confront the challenges posed by transnational organized
crime. By targeting the economic power of TOC networks, focusing on specific
areas of criminal activity, enhancing financial tools and sanctions, fostering
public-private partnerships, and supporting international cooperation, the
United States seeks to mitigate the adverse effects of TOC on global markets
and financial systems, thereby safeguarding economic stability and promoting
the rule of law.
The Strategy aims to collaborate with law enforcement and other agencies to target terrorist
organizations (TOC) networks in the US and abroad. It emphasizes building strong relationships with
international partners to prevent, reduce, and eliminate TOC threats. The US will leverage consolidated
TOC databases to provide accurate intelligence on TOC members, and pursue TOC through criminal
investigations and interdiction. Multi-agency task forces, such as the ICE-led Border Enforcement
Security Task Forces, will be essential. The Administration will work with Congress on legislative
solutions to enhance prosecution of TOC enterprises and enhance anti-money laundering and forfeiture
authorities. The proposed actions include working with Congress to improve U.S. authorities to identify,
investigate, and prosecute transnational criminal networks, using rewards programs for information
gathering, issuing a Presidential Proclamation to deny visas to TOC-affiliated aliens and corrupt foreign
officials, denying access to TOC infrastructure, integrating corruption investigations into comprehensive
attack activities, strengthening cooperation with international police organizations, interdicting illicit
trafficking, developing a whole-of-government plan to counter kidnapping for ransom, and denying TOC
access to secure facilities.

The paragraph outlines the United States' strategy to collaborate with law
enforcement and other agencies in targeting terrorist organizations (TOC)
networks both domestically and internationally. It emphasizes the importance
of building strong relationships with international partners to prevent, reduce,
and eliminate TOC threats effectively.

One key aspect highlighted is the utilization of consolidated TOC databases to

provide accurate intelligence on TOC members, facilitating criminal
investigations and interdiction efforts. By leveraging comprehensive
databases, law enforcement agencies can enhance their understanding of TOC
networks, identify key players, and disrupt their operations through targeted
actions.

Moreover, the paragraph emphasizes the importance of multi-agency task

forces, such as the ICE-led Border Enforcement Security Task Forces, in
combating TOC. These task forces bring together various law enforcement
agencies and stakeholders to coordinate efforts, share intelligence, and
execute joint operations to address TOC threats along the borders and
beyond.

Additionally, the strategy involves working with Congress on legislative

solutions to enhance the prosecution of TOC enterprises and strengthen anti-
money laundering and forfeiture authorities. By enacting legislation that
bolsters law enforcement capabilities and enhances legal tools to combat
TOC, the United States aims to create a more robust framework for
prosecuting transnational criminal networks and disrupting their illicit
activities.

Furthermore, proposed actions include leveraging rewards programs for

information gathering, denying visas to TOC-affiliated individuals and corrupt
foreign officials, integrating corruption investigations into broader attack
activities, strengthening cooperation with international police organizations,
interdicting illicit trafficking, developing comprehensive plans to counter
kidnapping for ransom, and denying TOC access to secure facilities.

In conclusion, the paragraph underscores the United States' commitment to a

collaborative and multi-faceted approach in combating TOC networks. By
leveraging intelligence resources, enhancing legislative frameworks,
strengthening international partnerships, and implementing targeted actions,
the United States aims to disrupt TOC operations, dismantle criminal networks,
and safeguard national security interests both at home and abroad.

New developments in technology and communications equipment have enabled terrorist organizations
(TOCs) involved in drug trafficking and other illicit activities to plan, coordinate, and execute their
schemes with increased mobility and anonymity. These networks operate worldwide and employ
sophisticated technology and financial savvy. They spread corruption and undermine democratic
institutions along emerging trafficking routes, such as the transit route through West Africa to Europe.
To diminish these threats, the US will continue efforts to identify and disrupt major TOC networks,
enhancing collaboration among domestic law enforcement agencies and foreign counterparts. The US
will use economic sanctions under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act to pursue transnational
drug organizations and develop aggressive, multi-jurisdictional approaches to dismantle TOC networks.
The US will also continue its cooperation with the international community in disrupting the world drug
trade through support for drug crop reduction, promotion of alternative livelihoods, and partner nation
capacity building. The plan involves reducing global drug supply and demand, severing links between
illicit drug and arms trades, disrupting Consolidated Priority Organization Targets, maximizing the
Kingpin Act, dismantling DTOs with terrorist connections, shutting down emerging drug transit routes in
West Africa, and coordinating with international partners to prevent synthetic drug production and
trafficking.
The paragraph highlights the evolving challenges posed by terrorist
organizations (TOCs) involved in drug trafficking and other illicit activities,
facilitated by advancements in technology and communications equipment.
These TOCs operate globally, leveraging sophisticated technology and
financial resources to plan and execute their schemes with increased mobility
and anonymity. Their activities not only fuel drug trafficking but also spread
corruption and undermine democratic institutions, particularly along emerging
trafficking routes such as those through West Africa to Europe.

To address these threats, the United States outlines a comprehensive

approach focused on identifying and disrupting major TOC networks through
enhanced collaboration among domestic law enforcement agencies and
foreign counterparts. This involves leveraging economic sanctions under the
Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act to target transnational drug
organizations and developing aggressive, multi-jurisdictional approaches to
dismantle TOC networks.

Furthermore, the United States emphasizes its commitment to international

cooperation in disrupting the global drug trade. This includes supporting
efforts for drug crop reduction, promoting alternative livelihoods, and building
the capacity of partner nations to combat drug trafficking. By reducing global
drug supply and demand, severing links between illicit drug and arms trades,
and disrupting Consolidated Priority Organization Targets (CPOs), the United
States aims to undermine the financial foundations of TOC networks and
weaken their operational capabilities.

Additionally, the plan involves shutting down emerging drug transit routes in
West Africa and coordinating with international partners to prevent synthetic
drug production and trafficking. By targeting key vulnerabilities in TOC
networks and disrupting their operations at various stages, from production to
distribution, the United States seeks to mitigate the impact of drug trafficking
on global security, stability, and public health.

In conclusion, the paragraph underscores the United States' commitment to

combating the evolving threats posed by TOCs involved in drug trafficking
through a multifaceted and collaborative approach. By leveraging technology,
economic sanctions, international cooperation, and targeted interventions, the
United States aims to disrupt TOC networks, dismantle their infrastructure, and
reduce the flow of illicit drugs worldwide. These efforts are crucial for
safeguarding national security, promoting the rule of law, and protecting
communities from the harms associated with drug trafficking and organized
crime.

The United States is committed to addressing transnational organized crime (TOC) and ensuring the rule
of law worldwide. The country aims to develop stronger law enforcement and criminal justice
institutions for self-sustaining international law enforcement capabilities and cooperation among states.
The US will encourage international partners to dedicate political capital and resources to combat TOC,
leveraging multilateral diplomacy and bilateral partnerships. The US will also establish the Organized
Crime Contact Group and deploy law enforcement attachés to its missions abroad.

The US will leverage legal instruments like the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime
and protocols to obtain assistance from international partners and raise international criminal justice,
border security, and law enforcement standards. The US will strengthen its engagement with the United
Nations and leverage regional and multilateral institutions. The US will also pursue cooperation with
other countries and partners, such as the European Union, G-8, G-20, and new inter-regional platforms
across the Pacific and Atlantic.

The US will also develop informal partnerships with states that share U.S. goals to prevent TOC networks
from abusing globalization's benefits. By building cooperative platforms and networks incrementally, the
U.S. will generate greater collective action, joint cases, and common strategic approaches with
international partners to combat transnational criminal threats.

The plan aims to raise international awareness of Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) and foster
multilateral cooperation against it. It involves partnering with countries to launch a new International
Police Peacekeeping Operations Support Program, leveraging assets for counterterrorism and foreign
capabilities, implementing public diplomacy strategies to reduce illicit goods and services demand,
strengthening courts and civil society, initiating dialogue to combat corruption and illicit trade, building
partnerships with donors, and increasing scientific research to assess TOC's scope and impact. The plan
also includes establishing the U.S.-UK Organized Crime Contact Group and expanding cooperation with
the United Nations

The paragraph outlines the United States' commitment to addressing

transnational organized crime (TOC) and promoting the rule of law on a global
scale. It underscores the importance of developing stronger law enforcement
and criminal justice institutions to foster self-sustaining international law
enforcement capabilities and cooperation among states.
One significant aspect highlighted is the United States' intention to encourage
international partners to dedicate political capital and resources to combat
TOC through multilateral diplomacy and bilateral partnerships. This includes
establishing the Organized Crime Contact Group and deploying law
enforcement attachés to missions abroad, facilitating direct communication
and collaboration with international counterparts.

Moreover, the United States aims to leverage legal instruments such as the UN
Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and protocols to obtain
assistance from international partners and raise international criminal justice,
border security, and law enforcement standards. By strengthening
engagement with the United Nations and leveraging regional and multilateral
institutions, the United States seeks to foster a coordinated global response to
TOC.

Additionally, the United States plans to pursue cooperation with other

countries and partners across various platforms, including the European
Union, G-8, G-20, and new inter-regional platforms across the Pacific and
Atlantic. By developing informal partnerships with states that share U.S. goals,
the United States aims to prevent TOC networks from exploiting the benefits
of globalization.

Furthermore, the paragraph outlines initiatives aimed at raising international

awareness of TOC and fostering multilateral cooperation against it. This
includes launching a new International Police Peacekeeping Operations
Support Program, implementing public diplomacy strategies to reduce
demand for illicit goods and services, strengthening courts and civil society,
combating corruption and illicit trade through dialogue, building partnerships
with donors, and increasing scientific research to assess TOC's scope and
impact.

In conclusion, the United States' plan aims to generate greater collective

action, joint cases, and common strategic approaches with international
partners to combat transnational criminal threats effectively. By fostering
cooperation, promoting legal standards, raising awareness, and implementing
targeted initiatives, the United States seeks to strengthen the global response
to TOC and uphold the rule of law worldwide.