Defining transnational organised crime in international law

It is often claimed that international terrorism and transnational organised crime constitute two of the most serious challenges currently facing the international community, and there has recently been an attempt to examine the legal relationship between international terrorism and transnational organised crime. While there is no agreed-upon definition of terrorism in the international community, the definition of transnational organised crime is established in the UNTOC. However, critical views have been expressed that the UNTOC definition of transnational organised crime is overly broad and may raise interpretative issues. Although the UNTOC definition of transnational organised crime can be credited with having the flexibility to adapt to use against emerging criminal activities, any gaps or ambiguities in the definition are of concern in terms of creating a legal ‘gray area’. Thus, we should not abandon our efforts to form a more comprehensive definition, acknowledging that the UNTOC lacks an accurate legal definition of transnational organised crime.