The role of the underworld in causing increased crime is usually exaggerated. The underworld is often attributed superhuman capabilities, and even magical criminal powers. People talking about underworld figures say, “They can do whatever horrible thing they want.” But where lies their power? Is it in money and ruthlessness? Is it in their willingness to use firearms? Is it in the intricate networks they are purported to construct? No doubt these are all factors that contribute to the image and character of the underworld, wherever it is. However, do any of these factors explain how the underworld is capable of committing grave crimes with impunity?
By contrast, the role of law enforcement agencies in failing to prevent crime is usually understated. Law enforcement agencies also have firearms and are trained to use them. They also have resources to pursue their mandate. Above all, they alone have the legitimate right to use force to achieve this mandate, and the moral support of the society for their actions. So what makes the underworld superior to the law enforcement agencies?
The question of superiority implies that there is a contest between the underworld, wanting to engage in crime, and the law enforcement agencies, wanting to suppress it. This is publicly portrayed as the bad guy versus the good guy. However, in the real world is there really such a contest?
Or is it possible that there is not competition but rather collaboration between the underworld and law enforcement agencies? Can the increase in crime be attributed to the lack of a proper contest between the two parties?
In places where the power of the underworld has been curtailed, it has generally been due not to a change within it, but rather, due to changes in the law enforcement agencies themselves. Policies directed towards cleaning up these agencies have resulted both in their own strengthening and also in suppression of the underworld itself. Hong Kong is a clear example of a place that after the police were overhauled and monitored from the 1970s onwards, the power of the underworld was greatly diminished.
There is no such thing as a powerful isolated underworld. Its power comes only with its ability to enter into close and deep cooperation with law enforcement agencies. When law enforcement agencies break down internally, the result is spreading inefficiency and corruption, and it is this from which the underworld derives its strength. When police become unwilling or incapable of investigating crimes then the underworld has made its greatest gain. When excuses are made about the weaknesses of criminal investigations — such as that there are no forensic investigation facilities, or that investigators are incompetent or are not paid enough — the underworld has much less to worry about, and can concentrate on its business unfettered. It has no superhuman powers or magical qualities. It just has nothing to fear from law enforcement agencies. Thus, any serious strategy to deal with increasing crime must concentrate on severing law enforcement agencies from the underworld, and ensuring that they are free from corruption.
