These issues pertain to illegal activities that pose severe threats to the environment. The first section of the paper discusses major trends and developments in organized crime, transnational criminal organizations and terrorism, and actions to be taken against organized crime. The second section discusses forms of economic crimes, and possible countermeasures. The final section of this paper covers the role of criminal law in the protection of environment, and focuses on international trends, enforcement of criminal laws protecting the environment, and directions for national and international action.