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Revealed : The 7 Biggest Illegal Activities In The World

The way the world functions has seen a dramatic change over the past fifty-sixty years, with numerous underground activities going on to influence the daily lives of even common men. These illegal activities in the world are a cause for worry, not merely because they carry the tag "illegal", but because the ramifications of such activities are massive in terms of the effect they have on humanity. These underground activities have successfully stayed aloof and away from scrutiny of international and national law, although laws stipulate the eradication of these illegal activities. This article looks at the 7 biggest illegal activities in the world.

8 BIGGEST SECRETS IN THE WORLD8 BIGGEST SECRETS IN THE WORLD

It goes without saying that these top illegal activities in the world have evaded law enforcement in any elective form as it exists in the present day. These "underground" activities or illegal activities are rampant in most third world countries. However, although the incidence is extremely high in the developing world, it is largely believed that the developed world is the primal sponsor. Successive governments have not been able to surmount most of these illegal activities.

The top illegal activities in the world can broadly be classified under two categories: economic and political. Let us now look at the most illegal activities in the world:

Black Market Currency Trade

Black Market Currency Trade

If we all know about the secrecy in the world banking system, little do we know the depth or intensity of the secrecy that the banking system associates itself with. Also, exchange rates are fixed by banks and the government in order to illegalize possession of wealth through a particular for of currency.

Corruption

Corruption

Quite expected, really. Politicians and private players connive and divert funds meant for development. Misuse of authority and power comes hand in hand. Corruption, it is said, is the single most evil that is slowly eating into the fabric of a healthy society. This is amongst the biggest illegal activities in the world.

Arms Trade

Arms Trade

War and violence is perhaps the greatest evil in society. While in the fundamental sense war translates to decimation and destruction, in the present era, war has almost become a justification to sustain humanity. With such a mindset among many sections of society, illegal arms trade being one of the most illegal activities in the world comes as no surprise.

Bootlegging

Bootlegging

Alcohol and tobacco are the most popular drugs in the world. Bootlegging, a term used to describe illegal hoarding, smuggling and sale of alcohol is amongst the top illegal activities in the world. Basically alcohol is prepared and produced illegally without a license. Quite naturally, taxes aren't paid too. It is a widely accepted fact that a large chunk of wealth from bootlegging goes to unscrupulous politicians in countries.

Illegal Drug Trade

Illegal Drug Trade

There is always this question of which what ranks higher in being the top illegal activity in the world- arms trade or drug trade?. It has to be drug trade, for it is from drug trade that most cartels acquire weapons. And why do they do so? To accumulate power. If you didn't know this already, illegal trade of drugs is perhaps the most potent way to accumulate power and clout. Funds from drug trade is directed to financing numerous operations, including high profile political campaigns

Gambling

Gambling

Gambling is legal in many countries. But in many countries where it is not, it remains as the top illegal activity. Legally, just legally, the worth of the international gambling industry is valued at a staggering 400 Billion USD. And illegally, perhaps double.

Prostitution And Human Trafficking

Prostitution And Human Trafficking

Prostitution and Human Trafficking make for the biggest illegal activities in the world and perhaps rank highest in the evil quotient. The abuse that prostitution associates itself with is completely horrendous, although many countries have criminalized sex trade and prostitution. Although such is the case, prostitution is rampant in most countries that have criminalized sex trade with laws serving as nothing but being mere sources of travesty. In a few African countries like Nigeria and Kenya, prostitution is punishable by death as is the case in a few middle east countries as well.

Story first published: Tuesday, July 8, 2014, 12:58 [IST]