Occasional Papers

Below the Surface: How Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing Threatens our Security

Cathy Haenlein

This paper argues that large-scale illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing takes place on an organised, systematic scale across multiple jurisdictions, and must therefore be recognised as transnational organised crime. Such IUU fishing endangers food security, threatens livelihoods, undermines the rule of law and deprives states of revenues. It also intersects with other crimes, further...

Defence Innovation and the UK: Responding to the Risks Identified by the US Third Offset Strategy

John Louth, Trevor Taylor and Andrew Tyler

This paper examines the implications of the US Third Offset Strategy for the UK. It finds that UK defence equipment capabilities costing £16 billion a year are increasingly vulnerable to low-cost, technology-rich weapons from hostile states. It argues that the UK government has focused more on offensive systems over protective capabilities, and it calls for a commitment to research, innovation...

Corporate Raiding in Russia: Tackling the Legal, Semi-Legal and Illegal Practices that Constitute Reiderstvo Tactics

Sarah Lain

This paper explores Russian corporate raiding (reiderstvo) tactics, which are used to pressure and/or steal businesses, often with the complicity of corrupt state authorities. The paper argues that looking at the tactics involved in the practice can help to focus attention on some of the threats facing business in Russia.

Transatlantic (Mis)alignment: Challenges to US-EU Sanctions Design and Implementation

Tom Keatinge, Emil Dall, Aniseh Bassiri Tabrizi and Sarah Lain

This paper argues that despite recent coordination on sanctions against Russia and Iran, there is still a misalignment over how the US and the EU approaches sanctions. The different policymaking processes on both sides of the Atlantic impact the design, implementation and eventual lifting of sanctions regimes. The paper also highlights the crucial role that the private sector plays in the...

The Future of Air C2 and AEW: E-3 Sentry, Threat Technologies and Future Replacement Options

Justin Bronk

This paper assesses the different options available to the RAF in meeting the government’s objective to extend the crucial air C2 capability provided by the E-3D fleet out to at least 2035. It also explores the trends and emerging capabilities that may well shape the final form of the post-2035 replacement for the E-3 across NATO.

The Consequences of Brexit for European Defence and Security

This paper examines the contribution the UK currently makes to EU security in justice and home affairs, as well as through the Common Security and Defence Policy. It examines what the EU – and the UK – might lose if Brexit negotiations result in Britain withdrawing from participation in EU security structures.

In Pursuit of Big Data: An Analysis of International Funds Transfer Reporting

Anagha Joshi

Policymakers have been exploring different ways to fight serious and organised crime and terrorism while upholding fundamental rights to privacy and ensuring that financial institutions are not overburdened with regulation. One such policy initiative is international funds transfer reporting (IFTR). This paper asks whether IFTR requirements are necessary and proportionate, and therefore whether...

Virtual Currencies and Financial Crime: Challenges and Opportunities

David Carlisle

The rapid rise of Bitcoin has prompted extensive discussion about the nexus between virtual currencies and financial crime. This paper examines the financial crime risks involving virtual currencies, the challenges that come with attempting to address those risks, and considers the implications for key stakeholders.

On Tap Europe: Organised Crime and Illicit Trade in Greece: Country Report

Calum Jeffray

This is the third in a series of five country-level papers on the role of organised crime groups in the illicit trade of tobacco, alcohol and pharmaceuticals across Europe, focusing on Greece as a case study.

On Tap Europe: Organised Crime and Illicit Trade in Spain: Country Report

Clare Ellis

This is the second in a series of five country-level papers on the role of organised crime groups in the illicit trade of tobacco, alcohol and pharmaceuticals across Europe, focusing on Spain as a case study.