Turkey has a key role in the fight against organized crime

Turkey is one of the key points in terms of organized crime, according to Europol, the pan-European law enforcement agency. Organized crime is changing and becoming increasingly diverse in its methods, group structures and impact on society, according to Europol’s 2011 Organized Crime Threat Assessment. Organized crime remains highly responsive to law enforcement control measures, as seen by the relocation of substantial flows of illegal immigrants from Mediterranean maritime routes to Greece's border with Turkey, says the report. Turkey is a key nexus point for transit to the EU in terms of facilitated illegal immigration, the report also says.“Besides being the natural gateway for immigrants from the Middle East and Asia, Turkey is now the final step toward the EU for migrants with many other origins, including North and West Africans. Its geographical position, the presence of historical smuggling routes and the comparative ease with which entry visas may be obtained have transformed Turkey into the main nexus point for illegal immigrants on their way to Europe.”