UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime Takes Effect as EU Proposes Ratification

On September 1, 2003, the European Commission moved to ratify the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and its three protocols on behalf of its member states. UNTOC is the first global instrument on the fight against transnational organized crime, and aims to facilitate cooperation among law enforcement agencies and generate consensus on definitions of organized crime in various legal systems. The UNTOC specifies the following crimes; participation in an organized criminal group, money laundering, corruption and obstruction of justice. The EU?s acceptance of the procedure reflects the increased authority it assumes over its member states due to the unified market.