Corrupting public officials. Although criminal groups rarely organize politically, they can and do gain considerable power over politicians and government officials through corruption and the economic influence they exercise. Criminal groups cultivate and rely on corrupt political elites, government officials, and law enforcement and security personnel to protect their operations and to provide cover for expanding their activities, often into the legitimate economy. Compromising the integrity of democratic institutions. Corruption of public officials inevitably erodes the integrity of democratic institutions, including legislatures and judiciaries.
Criminal organizations attempt to manipulate political and legal systems to their advantage.
They use illicit proceeds to help fund the campaigns of preferred candidates or to buy votes in the legislature in efforts to protect their safety, freedom, and criminal operations. Criminal influence in the legal system may short-circuit law enforcement investigations, preempt prosecutions, prevent convictions, or preclude long sentences. Damage to the integrity of democratic political and judicial institutions undermines their credibility and erodes public support for democracy. Penetrating the legitimate economy. Through investments in legitimate enterprises, criminal organizations can gain substantial interests in, or even control over, critical sectors of the national economy.