Abstract

There are vexed questions around the understanding of organised crime, its definition, the classification of the different forms its assumes and the specific functions it performs. This article addresses such questions after providing some material for reflection which derives mainly from two types of sources. The first is to be identified with official agencies investigating and fighting organised crime, the second with independent research studies conducted, particularly, at the national level. The examination of the material presented will help highlight the dilemmas and the controversies surrounding the subject matter and allow for a tentative description of its features.