Introduction

Abstract This introductory chapter discusses the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), which marked a significant milestone in the global fight against organized crime. It explains how organized crime grew internationally after technological, political, and global changes affected the potential to commit crime across borders. Thus, the Convention primarily aims to promote cooperation to prevent and combat transnational organized crime more effectively. Thus, UNTOC encourages States to adopt comprehensive countermeasures against organized crime in an effort to achieve some harmonization between national anti-organized crime laws. The chapter highlights how criminal justice is acknowledged by most countries as a cornerstone of national sovereignty.