It is thus a safe assumption that many offences which seem spontaneous may actually be well-planned. Persons in control of such networks are often known to one another, cooperating in a symbiotic fashion. Organised crime groups supply contraband to criminal gangs, which not only provide a ready market for these goods, but also form a vital link in the distribution thereof. Forgery of passports and other documents. Tight secrecy and compartmentalisation.
Many networks develop terminology of their own and specialise in specific activities.
Different gangs may eg deliver stolen goods to the same syndicate and thus form part of a larger criminal network, often headed by an unknown syndicate leader, with some gangs not even realising that they are part of such a network. Ready access to weapons. Links with corrupt government officials. Laundering of funds through legitimate businesses. The proceeds of crime are concealed in such a way as to make the tracing and seizure thereof very difficult, and in some cases impossible.