OCGs IN LEGITIMATE & ILLEGITIMATE DEALINGS 1

Organized Crime Networks in both Legitimate & Illegitimate Activities

Student’s Name

Institution
OCGs IN LEGITIMATE & ILLEGITIMATE DEALINGS 2

The idea of organized criminal groups involved in legitimate and illegitimate businesses

is not something new. They may get into politics, social, or economic affairs with the aim of

protecting their crime syndicate. The use of legitimate business is to create an image, one that

would convince the people or the government that they operate like any other business. If they

are involved with the government and politics, it is just a cover-up, or they may use that to gain

more power necessary to support their empire. Sometimes even government leaders are killed

because of failing to comply and support them. In this discussion we are looking at the famous

Colombian cartel, Pablo Escobar and his Organized crime group; “The Medellín Cartel”

While the Colombian and the U.S governments saw Escobar as a true enemy, he was a

hero to the people of Medellín. Escobar built houses for the poor, soccer fields, many sports

courts, and sponsored football teams for children after having been a soccer player and fan.

Escobar funded the construction of many schools, hospitals, and churches. He gained popularity

by building a local Roman Catholic Church; Escobar worked hard for his image, often known as

Robin Hood. He gave money to poor people; this was in form of housing projects and other civic

activities. The people of Medellín helped him watch over the law enforcement. They hid

information from the administration and did everything to protect the cartel.

Escobar rose to political leadership as a deputy representative in the chamber of the

Colombian representatives' congress; and was a member of the Colombian liberal party.

Escobar’s dealings were characterized by corruption in the Colombian system; he had a better

way to handle the government and law enforcement. With his “Plata O Plomo” — literally take

silver, lead, accept the money or face the rifles; it led to the deaths of state officers, police, and

civilians. Escobar bribed many government officers, politicians, and judges. In short, the

Medellín cartel was involved in legitimate and illegitimate activities.