Crime Stoppers Global Solutions (CSGS) works in areas where we have on-the-ground expertise, a deep commitment of the issues we care about, and strong ties to the countries in which we make a difference. We know the value of having trusted law enforcement partners based in key regions—to help foster relationships with like-minded organizations, governments, law enforcement, and the media to better understand the areas while remaining culturally sensitive.
Where We Are Now
CSGS has been launched and tested in Southwestern Europe along the “Balkan Route,” which is the most notorious transnational crime highway in the world. The Balkans are “Ground Zero” for our organization and, once firmly established throughout the region, we will operate in other developing countries, using the same anonymous tip concept.
Our Balkan pilot project in 2017 demonstrated that the program can be effective in gaining citizen support and involvement in high-risk regions like the Balkan Route.
Historically, as crimes are solved, the public becomes increasingly engaged in reporting crime tips. Financial reward is a positive reinforcement that becomes grass roots and now a viral phenomenon because of the use of wireless communications and social media. With the introduction of a mobile app, tips on crime have tripled in the United States, where the app was initially introduced. And good news: Arrests also have increased significantly.
Even the poorest countries have wireless communications and cell phones; it is the primary global connector. The human appeal and motivation to participate is anchored in the key promise: anonymity. It has been proven effective for more than 40 years.
The Balkan Route is the most notorious transnational crime highway in the world.
At Crime Stoppers Global Solutions (CSGS), we have taken strides to fight transnational crime at the source. We focus on the crimes that affect every one of us on a global level. And by targeting the Balkan State transit routes where the criminal activity takes place, we can combat these crimes before they cross borders.
In 2015, the “Balkan Route” in Southwestern Europe first made headlines when thousands of refugees fled Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan in the hopes of reaching Northern and Western Europe via Turkey, Bulgaria, and Greece, and then through Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, Romania, Modova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Slovenia.
The United National Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) published this Western Balkan Route map to illustrate the refugee crises on November 5, 2015 (click image to enlarge):
CSGS is leveraging wireless technology to encourage citizens to report criminal activity without facing the fear of retribution. Imagine what can be gained if we all work together! Our Beta test demonstrated that the Crime Stoppers concept can significantly impact transnational crime.
Our Visit with Serbian Delegates
In February 2020, CSGS proudly hosted a visit of the Serbian Ministry of the Interior Delegation to Seattle. The purpose of the trip was for operational planning meetings, introduction to senior law enforcement officials, and educational events. Our visitors from Belgrade included Nebojsa Pantelic, Ph.D., President of IPA Serbia and Advisor to the Minister of the Interior; General Golub Gacevic, Commander in Charge of all Uniform Police for Serbia; and Colonel Svetozar Radic, Deputy Chief of Staff for the Minister of the Interior of Serbia.
During the visit, we provided the following presentation to our visitors: