Organized crime is a global issue, with the Mafia from Sicily, Yakuza from Japan, Triads from China, and the post-Soviet Russian Mafia all exemplifying this phenomenon. These criminal organizations function like legitimate businesses, characterized by their efficiency, profitability, and hierarchical structures. Once confined to their countries of origin, these groups have now expanded internationally, infiltrating North America, Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia. Their activities pose significant threats to global economies, as they will go to great lengths to protect their interests. Each title in this series features a foreword from the Chairman of the National Law Enforcement Association, along with color photos, charts, and supplementary materials such as an index, chronology, and further reading lists. Key Icons throughout the series aim to enhance readers' understanding and awareness. These include "Words to Understand," which define key terms at the beginning of each chapter, helping to build vocabulary and comprehension. Additionally, sidebars provide rich, relevant content that broadens perspectives, while text-dependent questions encourage deeper engagement with the material.
