Research
Since the early 2010s, Organized Crime Groups (OCGs) in Mexico have been steadily integrating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), aka drones, into their criminal operations. Drones present several strategic benefits to criminals, especially with regards to the trafficking of illicit goods, the surveillance of rival territory, and the coercion of groups who attempt to resist OCG violence.
This new HCSS snapshot by Giulio Damiani and Laura Jasper analyses how UAVs have impacted these three operational dimensions – trafficking, surveillance, and coercion – with varying degrees of intensity. The snapshot also looks at the inherent risks of this emerging phenomenon in a European context: what can European states and law enforcement learn from understanding the criminal use of drones by Mexican organised crime groups for the security of our own airspace?
The phenomenon of UAV use in organised crime represents a broader trend towards the increasing automation of criminal activities. By minimizing physical contact and divesting criminals from carrying out any heinous act directly, the adoption of drones could be responsible for an increase of violence by part of OCGs.
European states and law enforcement can benefit from understanding the impact of the criminal use of UAVs in order to limit the potential dangers of drones in future criminal operations. The proposed measures of this snapshot not only enhance Europe’s known strategic advantages – a strong rule of law, effective border control and technological innovation – but also prepare governmental agencies, businesses, and civil society to effectively navigate the future complexities of criminal UAVs.
Addressing the challenges entailed by the criminal use of UAVs is essential for ensuring the safety of European airspace, as well as to limit the potential harm which European OCGs can inflict in the future.
Author: Giulio Damiani; Editor: Laura Jasper
Cover photo: Canva, Mexico City Outskirts Areal View in the Morning
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