Unveiling the Nexus: Smuggling as a Pillar of Transnational Organized Crime

Smuggling and organized crime form a critical nexus that fuels illicit networks, undermining global economies, security, and human rights. This article introduces the Smuggling-Organized Crime Nexus Model, a novel framework synthesizing economic, security, and humanitarian dimensions to analyze their interplay. Through a qualitative comparative analysis of 18 peer-reviewed sources, legal frameworks, and North African case studies, it examines smuggling’s definitions, forms, stages, and impacts, alongside organized crime’s characteristics. Focusing on North Africa, the study critiques legal and enforcement strategies, highlighting ethical dilemmas in combating migrant smuggling. Findings underscore smuggling’s role as a revenue stream for organized crime, exacerbating regional instability. Policy recommendations advocate for harmonized laws, technology integration, and human rights protections. This article advances the literature by offering a holistic framework and regional insights, urging coordinated global responses to disrupt transnational crime.