Curb Organised Crimes

Bini Dahal

These days, crimes are becoming more and more complex. It has especially become hard to keep track of, investigate and prevent them, particularly organised crimes. Organised crimes refer to such well-planned serious crimes that are committed by more than two individuals or by criminal groups with the intent of gaining certain money or profit. These crimes are highly complex as they are not limited to a certain individual or a certain country. Rather they are international or transnational in nature. With the world making rapid progress in science and technology, it has been used as a weapon by the criminals to make organised crimes more sophisticated. 

When we talk about organised crimes, we cannot miss talking about nations like Nepal. For a long time, Nepal has been considered a fertile ground for organised crimes. The country is also considered a transit nation for criminals to carry out their transnational activities with ease. There are various types of organised crimes including human trafficking, drug trafficking, cybercrimes and financial frauds, among others. Recently, we have been hearing a lot about gold smuggling. Incidents of individuals hiding large amounts of gold and getting caught by the airport authorities is not uncommon. 

Additionally, criminals smuggle gold transnationally, making Nepal as a transit hub. In the past, news reports have mentioned how Nepali politicians are also involved in such crimes. Involvement of those who are in power mainly boosts the confidence of the criminals and motivates them to continue their crimes. 

The Nepal Police have recently uncovered a shocking incident. Based on a tip off, the police have rescued Indian nationals from Ratopul, Kathmandu. Apparently, these individuals had been promised that they would be taken to the United States. However, they were brought to Nepal and were locked up in a rented house for more than a month. The police have arrested individuals who were involved in this human trafficking. Preliminary investigation shows that the victims had paid up to Rs. 4.5 million. This incident alone stands as a perfect example of a type of organied crime. 

Nepal’s biggest weakness lies in its inability to strictly implement policies in place and also the lack of strict monitoring. The country has come up with its Organised Crime Prevention Act, 2070 B.S. and is also a signatory to the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Crimes. Open borders and a lack of strict border security and monitoring has posed a serious problem for us. Also, we are way behind when it comes to the use of science and technology. The proper utilisation of science and technology to promote surveillance, monitoring and investigation and for intelligence gathering can help minimise such crimes. 

Especially when it comes to transnational crimes, close coordination with the authorities from the relevant countries is necessary. Maintaining peace and security and ensuring the safety of the people living in the country is always a priority. It is our responsibility to ensure that we do not provide our land as a fertile land for cunning criminal offenders to come into the country and commit the crime with ease.  Authorities deserve kudos for their proactiveness to reduce organised crimes in the country.