Wednesday 23 April 2008

    Washington - International organized crime groups control "significant
positions" in global energy and strategic materials and are expanding holdings
in the U.S. materials sector, the U.S. Justice Department said on Wednesday.

    A strategy on fighting organized crime released by the department also says
such groups manipulate securities exchanges and conduct financial fraud to steal
billions of dollars. It says they systematically corrupt public officials, use
computer networks to target victims, and provide logistical support to terrorists
and foreign intelligence services.

    "The activities of transnational and national organized criminal enterprises
are increasing in scope and magnitude as these groups continue to strengthen
their networking with each other to expand their operations," said FBI
Deputy Director John S. Pistole.

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    Editing by Lori Santos.