This Thematic Unit (i.e. Course) refers to the historical development and morphology of the phenomenon of “organized crime”. Moreover, it deciphers its structure, function, ways/methods of action of organized criminal groups, as well as it problematizes the definition of organized crime and its distinction from related phenomena. In particular, such phenomena include: the drug trade, trafficking in persons, corruption, and money laundering. Also, the Thematic Unit will examine international, regional, and national efforts to combat and tackle organized crime at legislative, institutional and operational levels. Emphasis will be placed on the relevant initiatives of the European Union, as well as on the Palermo Convention of 2000. Important legal issues such as money laundering and the criminalization of participation in organized criminal groups, will also be addressed.