Organized crime represents one of the biggest, most dangerous and complex threats in the modern world, which directly threatens security and stability at the local, regional and international levels. It is a phenomenon that undermines the trust of citizens, the democratic system, economic development, as well as the institutions of each state. The effective fight against organized crime is one of the key priorities for Bosnia and Herzegovina in the process of accession to the European Union (EU), as stated in the Opinion of the European Commission on Bosnia and Herzegovina's application for EU membership.

The challenges and risks of organized crime in Bosnia and Herzegovina are no different from those faced by other countries in the modern world. As pointed out in the document Organized Crime Threat Assessment in Bosnia and Herzegovina 20211 (hereinafter: OCTA BiH 2021), organized crime manifests itself through various types of crime, from illicit drug manufacture and drug trafficking to arms trafficking, economic and property crime, corrupt activities, cybercrime, and other types of criminal offences. The structural factors that enable organized crime in Bosnia and Herzegovina have also been identified. The reinvestment of proceeds of crime distorts legitimate market competition and undermines the country's entire economic system. Organized criminal groups (hereinafter: OCG) constantly strive to infiltrate and take control of all significant structures of the state and society, in order to secure their illegally gained funds and avoid criminal prosecution.

It follows that the effective fight against organized crime requires the recognition of drivers and factors that favor/enable the development of this phenomenon at all levels. Accordingly, this strategic document describes the new and transformative approach of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the prevention of, and fight against, organized crime, and as such, it:

- Recognizes the challenges and scale of organized crime in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the threat to stability and prosperity;

- Reflects the political will in the fight against organized crime as one of the key priorities;

- Proposes a new strategic framework for dealing with organized crime through a clear, unified vision, a whole society approach and integrated goals, measures and activities.