26th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Transnational Criminal Convergency

Mr. Michael Braun discussed the convergence of transnational organized crime with terrorist organizations in his presentation. Drawing from his extensive 35 year law enforcement background, he highlighted connections between various groups, including the Cali Cartel and Hezbollah, as well as the involvement of terrorist organizations in the global drug trade. Emphasizing the role of corruption in both the public and private sectors, he underscored the financial motivations behind this convergence. Braun also pointed out the vulnerabilities and commonalities between terrorist organizations and transnational organized crime groups, stressing the importance of understanding the interplay between ideology and criminal activities. Additionally, he discussed the permissive environments or ungoverned spaces where these groups operate and expressed concern about personal relationships formed in such settings evolving into strong interorganizational collaborations.