1.1 This is a new strategy to deal with the challenges we face from serious and organised crime. It is published to coincide with the launch of the new National Crime Agency (NCA) and reflects changes to the threats we face and the lessons we have learned from our previous work.

1.2 Organised crime includes drug trafficking, human trafficking, and organised illegal immigration, high value fraud and other financial crimes, counterfeiting, organised acquisitive crime and cyber crime. The strategy also deals with serious crime which demands a national coordinated response, notably other fraud and child sexual exploitation.

1.3 Organised crime is a threat to our national security. It costs the United Kingdom at least £24 billion each year, leads to loss of life and can deprive people of their security and prosperity. Crime groups intimidate and corrupt and have a corrosive impact on some communities. Cyber crime undermines confidence in our communications technology and online economy. Organised immigration crime threatens the security of our borders. We regard human trafficking as a pernicious form of modern slavery. Financial crime can undermine the integrity and stability of our financial markets and institutions.

1.4 Overseas, organised crime undermines good governance and the stability of countries of strategic importance to our national security. Organised crime groups overseas can facilitate or engage in terrorism.