Analytics, Crime, EU – Baltic States, Legislation

Lithuanian organized crime groups are suspected of trafficking drugs from former Soviet countries and South America to Western Europe, as well as of forging euro bills and smuggling cigarettes. Lithuanian police admit that the country is used as a transit corridor for contraband goods, but point out that Lithuania is mentioned so often because of the Lithuanian authorities' excellent cooperation with foreign colleagues, which ensures that Lithuanian organized crime groups are busted more often than those of other countries, writes LETA.

"We are familiar with the local organized crime groups, and the information about them is sent to our foreign colleagues, who are then able to detain them. The crime rate in Lithuania is stable and gradually decreases. Criminals find it hard to commit crimes in Lithuania, which is why they travel abroad," pointed out a spokesperson for the Lithuanian police, Ramunas Matonis.

According to the report, organized crime is changing rapidly, making use of various methods and group structures, including international. The impact of organized crime on society is also changing.