Organized crime and corruption are shaped by the lack of strength of the control mechanisms of the State and civil society. The results presented in the present article attest to the links between the growth of organized crime and that of corruption in the public sector in a large number of countries. The two types of complex crime reinforce each other. To identify and isolate the influential factors behind the growth of corruption in the public sector and organized crime, the present article presents and analyses qualitative and quantitative information on a large sample of countries and territories representing worldwide diversity stratified by level of socio-economic development.** The study reported here aimed at identifying the institutional patterns that determine a country’s vulnerability to complex crimes. Being policy-oriented, the report includes a set of evidence-based policy recommendations.

Organized crime and corruption are shaped by the lack of strength of the control mechanisms of the State and civil society. The results presented in the present article attest to the links between the growth of organized crime and that of corruption in the public sector in a large number of countries. The two types of complex crime reinforce each other. To identify and isolate the influential factors behind the growth of corruption in the public sector and organized crime, the present article presents and analyses qualitative and quantitative information on a large sample of countries and territories representing worldwide diversity stratified by level of socio-economic development.** The study reported here aimed at identifying the institutional patterns that determine a country’s vulnerability to complex crimes. Being policy-oriented, the report includes a set of evidence-based policy recommendations.