Organized Crime, Geography and Corruption

Almost every country has organized crime. Many governments have waged war against it but have never quite stamped it out. In those countries unable to fully rein in organized crime, the governments have learned to use it as a tool or benefit from organized crime's proceeds through corruption. Iran, Mexico and Myanmar are examples of how geography affects crime, but beyond geography, other factors — such as a country's infrastructure and the strength of the central government — are key in determining how pervasive organized crime will be.