Transnational Organized Crime, Palermo Convention’s Effects

Transnational organized crime is one of the most problematic matters for international community in 21^st century. These crimes are committed by organized criminal groups consisting of three or more persons, a unique leadership and strict discipline with cruel sanctions in order to obtain, directly or indirectly, a financial or other material benefit. Commission of the crimes nationally and internationally has political, economic and social effects and threatens the existence of nations and states. The United Nations, acting on behalf of international community, elaborated an international document named “United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime” with two protocols. The documents were opened for signature of states in Palermo (Italy) in 2000. 147 states including Iran has signed the convention. This article is aimed firstly to determine the meaning of the transnational organized crime, secondly to analyze its various effects justifying the necessity of combating it.