Thursday, August 21, 2003

Criminal gangs 'threatening UK'

Criminal gangs have infiltrated British society, practising a variety of illegal activities from paedophilia to drug dealing, a police report says.

Gangs ranging from traditional British "firms" to the Italian Mafia continue to pose a high threat and touch every community, according to the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS).

The report warns drug trafficking "represents the greatest threat from serious and organised criminals".

It also says the number of websites showing illegal images of child abuse has increased, adding that online child sex offenders are becoming much more cunning in their attempts to avoid detection.