Blurs

Criminal Organisations Founded or Strengthened by Former Military and Special Forces Personnel The overwhelming majority of military personnel leave service and go on to lead lawful, productive lives. However, history has shown that a small minority of former soldiers—including members of elite military and special forces units—have been recruited into organised crime or have even helped establish criminal organisations. Military training provides skills that criminal groups value highly.  Expertise in small-unit tactics, intelligence gathering, surveillance, weapons handling, communications, logistics and leadership can significantly improve the capabilities of an organised crime group. This article examines some of the best-documented examples where former military or special forces personnel have played an important role in organised crime, while separating fact from popular myths. Why Criminal Organisations Recruit Former Soldiers Organised crime groups increasingly resemble so...