Organized crime has long been a serious issue in Canada, with various criminal groups operating within its borders. However, in recent years, the Canadian government has begun to recognize certain organized crime groups as not just criminals, but also terrorists.
This decision has sparked debate and controversy, as many question whether organized crime and terrorism should be considered one and the same. But the reality is that these organized crime groups have evolved and expanded their operations to include acts of terror, making them a serious threat to national security.
So who are these organized crime groups now considered as terrorists by Canada? And what actions are being taken to combat their dangerous activities?
One of the most notorious organized crime groups in Canada is the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club. Originally founded in California in the 1940s, the Hells Angels have since expanded their operations to many countries, including Canada. They are known for their involvement in drug trafficking, extortion, and violence.
But in recent years, the Hells Angels and other biker gangs have also been linked to acts of terrorism. In 2014, two members of the Hells Angels were charged with planning to bomb a Canadian National Railway line. And in 2016, a member of the Hells Angels was arrested for plotting to kill a witness in a criminal case.
These incidents, along with other evidence, have led the Canadian government to label the Hells Angels as a terrorist organization. This means that their activities are now considered a threat to national security, and the government has the power to take action against them.
Another organized crime group that has been designated as a terrorist organization by Canada is the Lebanese-based group, Hezbollah. This group has long been known for its involvement in drug trafficking and money laundering, but they have also been linked to acts of terror, including the bombing of a Jewish community center in Argentina in 1994.
In 2018, Canada officially listed Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, freezing their assets and making it a crime to support or participate in their activities. This decision was made in response to Hezbollah’s continued involvement in terrorism and their support for the Assad regime in Syria.
But it’s not just biker gangs and international groups that are now being considered as terrorists by Canada. The government has also designated certain domestic organized crime groups as terrorists, including the Toronto-based gang, the Tamil Tigers.
The Tamil Tigers were originally founded in Sri Lanka and have been involved in a decades-long civil war. But in recent years, they have expanded their operations to Canada, where they have been involved in drug trafficking, extortion, and money laundering.
In 2018, the Canadian government added the Tamil Tigers to its list of terrorist organizations, citing their involvement in criminal activities and their use of violence to achieve their goals.
So what actions are being taken to combat these organized crime groups now considered as terrorists by Canada? The government has implemented various measures, including freezing their assets, increasing surveillance, and providing resources to law enforcement agencies to better track and disrupt their activities.
Additionally, the Canadian government has also implemented tougher laws and penalties for those involved in organized crime and terrorism. This includes harsher sentences for individuals convicted of participating in a terrorist group, as well as the ability to revoke citizenship for those who have been found to be involved in terrorism.
The decision to designate certain organized crime groups as terrorists has not been without controversy. Some argue that it blurs the line between organized crime and terrorism, and that the two should be treated separately. Others argue that it is a necessary step to combat the evolving tactics of these criminal groups and protect national security.
But one thing is clear – these organized crime groups now considered as terrorists by Canada are a serious threat to the safety and security of its citizens. The government’s actions to combat their activities are necessary to ensure the well-being of the country and its people.
In conclusion, the Canadian government’s decision to designate certain organized crime groups as terrorists is a bold move, but one that is necessary in the face of evolving criminal tactics. By recognizing the dangerous activities of these groups and taking action against them, Canada is sending a strong message that it will not tolerate any threats to its national security.
