Whether in developed countries or in the developing world, the scope of action and range of capabilities of criminal organizations are undergoing a profound change. This change is the result of a decline in political order, deteriorating economic circumstances, a growing underground economy that habituates people to working outside the legal framework, easy access to arms, a massive flow of emigrants and refugees, and normal difficulties involved in engendering meaningful international cooperation. The rise of better organized, internationally based criminal groups with vast financial resources is creating a new threat to the stability and security of the international system. Although major criminal organizations pose a new and compelling challenge to national and international interests, however, the extent of their threat should not be exaggerated. Foreign criminal operations by Chinese, Colombian, Israeli, Jamaican, Japanese, Nigerian, and Russian individuals and groups are described. The importance of immigration and border control is emphasized, and trends in law enforcement technology are noted. 1 table