Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) in the southern Wales region

Economic and Cyber Crime is the most common crime type in the UK and now accounts for over 40% of all crime. Economic Crime refers to a broad category of activity involving money, finance or assets, the purpose of which is to unlawfully obtain a profit or advantage for the perpetrator, or to cause a loss to others. Cyber Crime is a criminal activity that either targets or uses a computer, a computer network, or a networked device.

There are three classes of controlled drugs in the UK: Class A, Class B and Class C. Drug trafficking is a major source of revenue for Organised Crime Groups (OCGs). OCGs will move illegal drugs from one area to another, usually using children or vulnerable people, through a process known as County Lines. There are four main offences associated with illicit drugs: possession, supply, production and importation. Drug trafficking will almost always underpin other illegal OCG activities.

Organised Immigration Crime (OIC) involves moving a person across borders without legal permission or documentation with the assistance of an Organised Crime Group (OCG). The criminal groups look to exploit vulnerable people, charge them large sums of money and make false promises, and put them at great risk as they are transported across borders. The revenue the groups make is often used to fund other forms of criminality and many will use violence to maintain control of migrants or territory.

Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking (MSHT) exists in many forms across the country and can affect many different people regardless of background, gender, age, or ethnicity. Types of slavery include child trafficking, forced labour, debt bondage, sexual exploitation, criminal exploitation, and domestic servitude. Many victims are trafficked from overseas and their exploitation often begins enroute. They are often found working in the construction industry, in agriculture, in the sex industry, and in places like nail bars, car washes, and cannabis farms.

Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) involves forcing or persuading a child or young person under the age of 18 to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is a form of CSA. It is a term used to describe where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child under the age of 18 into sexual activity. CSE does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology. Children who are coerced into working for Organised Crime Groups (OCGs) may also be groomed and sexually exploited.

Organised Acquisitive Crime (OAC) consists of offences where the offender or offenders achieve material gain as a result of the crime. Examples include shoplifting, burglary, theft, and robbery. OAC is often carried out by Organised Crime Groups (OCGs) on a large, planned scale.