International Crimes

International crimes can be categorized as either criminal offenses against the world community — acts of terrorism or war that threaten world order and security; crimes against humanity, and genocide — or transnational criminal acts, including drug trafficking, trans-border organized criminal activity, counterfeiting, money laundering, financial crimes, willful damage to the environment, and computer crimes.

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 provides the statutory authority in U.S. law to allow prosecution of human traffickers even where nonviolent coercion is used to force victims to work in the belief they would be subject to serious harm. Using the statutory authority provided in the Controlled Substances Actthe U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency pursues and prosecutes drug traffickers within and outside of the United States.

Drug Trafficking: Among the most common international crimes are drug trafficking activities. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)enforces the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States and refers perpetrators involved in making or distributing controlled substances to the Department of Justice for prosecution. The DEA collaborates with the United Nations, Interpol, and other organizations on matters relating to international drug control programs, international crimes, international criminal law, and international law.

Crimes Against Humanity: Related to larger-scale crimes against humanity and under the rubric of international criminal law, the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, investigates and prosecutes those individuals accused of crimes against humanity, genocide, and crimes of war.

Human Trafficking: U.S. Government estimates indicate that 800,000 to 900,000 victims are trafficked globally each year and 17,500 to 18,500 are trafficked into the United States. The Department of Justicepursues and prosecutes human traffickers, whether the victims were smuggled for sexual exploitation, or to work as agricultural, sweat shop workers, or domestic servants.

International Computer Crime: With the explosive growth of the Internet, computer crimes are increasingly international in dimension. The Department of Justice works with foreign governments and other U.S. agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the U.S. Postal Service, to address global threats related to computer crime.

If you or someone you know is under investigation for an international crime, seek the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney right away.

Case Studies: International Crimes

Case Study 1: Drug Trafficking – The Operation Midnight Sting

In Operation Midnight Sting, a multinational law enforcement effort targeted a major drug trafficking organization responsible for smuggling narcotics across multiple countries. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in collaboration with international partners, conducted extensive investigations to gather evidence and dismantle the criminal network.

The operation resulted in the arrest and prosecution of key individuals involved in the drug trafficking operation, significantly disrupting the illicit drug trade and safeguarding communities from the harmful effects of drugs.

Case Study 2: Crimes Against Humanity – The International Criminal Court’s Prosecution

The International Criminal Court (ICC) launched an investigation into a series of crimes against humanity committed during an armed conflict in a war-torn region. The ICC meticulously collected evidence and identified individuals responsible for grave human rights abuses, including genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The court initiated prosecutions against the alleged perpetrators, ensuring accountability and seeking justice for the victims affected by these heinous acts.

Case Study 3: Human Trafficking – Rescuing Victims and Prosecuting Traffickers

Law enforcement agencies, working in collaboration with non-governmental organizations, successfully dismantled a human trafficking network that exploited vulnerable individuals for forced labor and sexual exploitation. Through meticulous investigation and cooperation across borders, the traffickers were apprehended, and the victims were rescued.

The Department of Justice played a vital role in prosecuting the traffickers, ensuring that they faced appropriate legal consequences for their crimes and providing support and rehabilitation to the survivors.