The traditional distinction between illicit and legitimate activities, with regard to organized crime, is becoming less evident in the modus operandi of organized criminals. The escalation of traditional criminal activities such as drug trafficking and investment in legitimate industries such as construction or tourism of the proceeds generated by criminal activities are parts of a continuum. Trends in organized crime activities include car theft; counterfeiting (currency, personal and corporate credit cards, corporate checks, bonds, and securities); frauds; and smuggling illegal aliens. Members of the European Union are attempting to develop strategies to counter organized crime, efforts that may include: (1) increased international cooperation and data exchanges; (2) harmonizing laws and increasing cooperation among law enforcement agencies; (3) intensifying cross-border investigations and allowing contact and information exchange among investigators and judges of different European Union Member States; (4) broadening the powers of Europol; and (5) creating a European research, documentation, and statistical network on cross-border crime. Notes