LONDON - More than 4,600 organized crime gangs operate in Britain, an assessment by the National Crime Agency revealed on Monday.

The agency has put serious and organized crime under the microscope as part of a national strategy report looking at potential future threats and trends.

"Serious and organized crime affects more United Kingdom citizens than any other national security threat. It has a daily impact on the UK's public services, institutions, national reputation and infrastructure," said the report.

It added the threat from serious organized crime is increasing in both volume and complexity and will continue to do so in the short to medium term.

The NCA said the organized crime gangs mapped in Britain at the end of 2017 may work together in criminal enterprises.

The report said most criminality is conducted for financial gain, but other key motivations include threats and coercion, family and social pressure.

"Intelligence demonstrates that organized criminal gangs have made significant investments in the purchase or hire aircraft to facilitate illegal movement of people and commodities.

"It is highly likely that organized criminal gangs will continue to use aviation in order to facilitate the illegal entry of migrants, in particular, into the UK," the report added.

It pointed out that clandestine entry into Britain and large-scale drug importations through maritime routes presents the greatest risk.

"Based on analysis of the drivers of modern slavery and human trafficking, we assess that the actual scale in the UK is continually and gradually increasing and, if drivers remain at their current levels, will continue to do so over the next three years," the report warned.

NCA Director General Lynne Owens said: "This year's assessment shows that organized crime groups are exploiting digital technology, for instance using encryption to communicate, and dark web marketplaces to aid their activities.

"Criminals are continuing to develop international connections to increase the reach of their activity."

Xinhua