By way of case studies, the article examines the structures of typical crime syndicates. The case studies include a brief reference to two transplanted criminal organizations, namely a Chinese crime syndicate and the activities of Nigerian criminal networks. The article attempts to develop a better understanding of how organized criminal groups in South Africa are structured, how they operate and how they have changed or adapted, if at all, in the new environment. The analysis is based mainly on primary research, with most of the information emanating from police sources and official documents. The article does not deal with the significant role that international criminal organizations have played in South Africa during the past 10 years, a topic that still needs to be examined in detail. The article reviews earlier manifestations of organized criminal groups, police response to organized crime in the 1980's and the impact of transition. Figures, notes