Common use of Hierarchical Clause in Contracts

Hierarchical. When smuggling operations are arranged by bureaucratic groups, it is plausible that the smugglers work together over a long term in fixed combinations. The fol- lowing statements based on the results of the file analysis show some truth in this proposition. First of all, continuity was very common. In several major investigations smugglers were tapped and observed for a long time, sometimes for over a year. During that time many smuggling operations were attempted. In most attempts, the same individuals worked closely together and performed the same functions. It is therefore possible to distinguish separate smuggling groups. The changes that occurred were mostly a matter of convenience. For example, a wife took over her husband’s smuggling operations after he was arrested. At first, her husband advised her from prison (during visiting hours or by telephone), but she quickly began acting autonomously (case 32). Secondly, the continuity was probably reinforced through affective relation- ships like a shared family background. In case 23, for example, two brothers and a cousin worked together. In another case, two of the organizer’s sisters abroad were involved (case 9). Married couples were also encountered (cases 23, 28, 31, 84 and 98). However, family ties within smuggling groups constitute the minor- ity. The family factor is therefore not conclusive.