As the world changes and technology advances, criminal organizations are exploiting new opportunities. The advancement of travel, ease of communication and increased demand have contributed to the globalization of crime. Every nation has been affected by the globalization of crime and the problem continues to grow. The term globalization is defined as the development of an increasingly integrated global economy, characterized above all by free trade, free flow of capital and access to foreign low-cost labor markets. "Globalization", 2013). Whenever there is economic gain or the need for cheap labor, there is a possibility that crime will increase. The globalization of crime dates back hundreds of years. One example is that in the late 1600s and 1700s the ocean became the main source of travel for merchants. Once trade routes were established, criminals had the opportunity to steal when ships were most vulnerable. These criminals were commonly known as pirates and grew in numbers as countries expanded and trafficking increased. The problem has become so serious that countries have used their own navies to protect ships and track pirate ships. As the world expands and explorers set out to discover new lands, the ability to reach other civilizations is becoming a reality. The discovery of new drugs or rare items in other countries has led criminal groups to expand their reach to take advantage of the new market. Many of the new communities that were built lacked adequate protection or law enforcement, which led to the emergence of small groups of marauders who terrorized the settlers and took their food and supplies. This also developed relationships with people from two different nations who had a common goal. A crime g... middle of paper... a national crime. By sharing information, tracking problems, and stopping illegal criminal activity before it spreads, law enforcement has the best chance of preventing international crime. In conclusion, globalization has led to the expansion of technology and wealth across the world. By opening the borders of every nation, it gives people the opportunity to learn from each other and become a better world. Unfortunately, with the good comes the bad. Open borders give the criminal element the opportunity to expand and take advantage of the less fortunate. It is important that nations unite in efforts to address the globalization of crime by working together and sharing information. The globalization of crime affects the whole world, both directly due to terrorism, drugs, violent acts, and indirectly due to the growing costs of security..