Războiul din Ucraina şi securitatea naţională. Modificări în activitatea criminalităţii organizate

Organized crime has acquired new values in the context of the geopolitical, social and economic transformations that the states are currently facing, expanding their ramifications at the international level. Conflicts often create opportunities that lead to the increasing of the organized crime, amplifying the threat that criminal groups can pose to domestic security. The heightened dynamics of the international security environment and, in particular, the instability with the potential for contagion manifested in the Eastern neighborhood, potentiates the risks posed to National Security by organized crime. The conflict in Ukraine has already altered the regional security landscape and some changes may be permanent. The shifting power structures created by the war and the illicit market opportunities will continue to increase criminal activity and result in increased cyber attacks; criminal infiltration; human trafficking and sexual abuse; and drug, illicit cigarettes, and weapons smuggling. This paper compiles data, analysis and policy recommendations on the range of impacts and consequences related to the war in Ukraine on the national/European security. The paper aims to explore the dynamics of organized crime groups in the context of the war and the challenges faced by the authorities in the fight against crime. This study used a mixed-methods approach. The literature review along with a content analysis and statistical analysis of organized crime was conducted using a combination of online databases, as well as academic journals and conference papers. The research findings show that the impact of the conflict in Ukraine and its implications for organized crime and security-related issues will have long-term consequences for Romania and EU countries.