Having pretty closely tracked the Far Right in the UK this year, the sooner we think about 'Tommy Robinson' and those orbiting him, structurally, as a kind of criminal gang, the more their behaviour makes sense. Here’s an attempt to articulate that... /1 
‘Tommy’, of course, had his start in football hooliganism - gang behaviour that is closely linked to organized crime. The violence is almost secondary to the control of territory and hence illicit activity such as drug dealing and protection. /2 independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-b…
We’re all aware in the last few years that ‘Tommy’ has gone ‘straight’, not only eschewing his hooligan past, but supposedly his Far Right beliefs. However, in the organization that surrounds him, there are similarities with organized criminal gangs. /3 bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politi…
From the outset, it’s important to note that I can’t and won’t be making any specific allegations here that are hitherto unknown - this is just a(n amateur) comparative study that takes a brief look at how gangs operate, compared to the Far Right ecosystem surrounding ‘Tommy’. /4
1. Gangs engage in criminal activity when society doesn’t provide, or doesn’t engage young men with their social, economic and emotional needs. Whether it’s security, belonging or validation, groups that make an effort to fulfill these needs often prosper in turbulent times. /5
1a. Everything ‘Tommy’ says relates to a division b/w ‘elites’ & his supporters. It casts them facing many fronts - from Muslims, to an uncaring government, to meddling Leftists. He, it is suggested, is fighting for them and their rights as English. /6 vice.com/en_uk/article/… …
2. Criminal gangs often use a charismatic figure to draw groups together, in order to consolidate power. Whatever their disagreements, this figure can bring groups together that would often fight among one another, creating sizeable force of numbers. /7 diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva…
2a. ‘Tommy’s’ use of live-streaming, and his hyper-mobility, rocketing around the country and beyond, has created a figurehead that brings different groups into the same space - most obviously his rallies, where Generation Identity rubs shoulders with the DFLA, and Pendragons. /8
3. Criminal gangs rely on figures within them currying favour in order to impress senior members of the hierarchy. Those that perform well are rewarded with greater responsibility and a greater share of the proceeds of their enterprises. /9
3a. Surrounding ‘Tommy’ are figures such as ‘Danny Thommo’ that have been supported in their own efforts at building a profile and crowdfunding their anti-Islamic, Far Right activism. As they take part in actions and organization, their social media presence is boosted. /10
3b. Central here also are the activists behind hyperpartisan news sites devoted largely to ‘Tommy’, such as ‘Politicalite’ and ‘PoliticalUK’, who are important in creating content to spread ‘Tommy’s’ message, while providing some monetization through advertising. /11
3c. It’s also interesting to note that minor figures associated with ‘Tommy’, such as James Goddard, have attempted their crowdfunded activism (such as blocking bridges on the weekend). Some of those closer to ‘Tommy’ have criticised these actions, considering them upstarts. /12
4. Gangs use intimidation tactics in order to silence critics or protect their sources of revenue. Whether it’s a series of threats, vandalism or something more severe, the object is silence and assent to demands. ‘Standover men’ are absolutely essential to their function. /13
4a. ‘Tommy’ has turned up on critic’s doorsteps for years, although under the auspices of being a 'reporter’. The intimation here is, if the target does not comply or engage with ‘Tommy’, he can release their details to his fans, resulting in a torrent of abuse and threats. /14
4b. We saw ‘Tommy’s’ propensity for intimidation this week, when he drove across the country to intimidate the parents of a young man who criticised him. Multiple visits occurred before ‘Tommy’ forced the young man to delete his Twitter account. /15
4c. This is also evident in the number of so-called exposes designed to reveal more about the working of ‘Tommy’ and his circle that appear to fall down at the last hurdle, because the person about to talk has ‘made up’ with ‘Tommy’ or has had ‘second thoughts’. /16
5. Finally, criminal gangs choose enterprises for which there will be constant and ongoing demand. Much of the time, this is either a service which has been denied via neglect or restriction (ie, a black market) or drugs - something with an addictive quality. /17
5a. ‘Tommy’, and his circle have very cleverly managed to monetize and shepherd something absolutely addictive, yet utterly nebulous - fear and hatred. They are reliant on creating a siege mentality in their supporters, and position themselves as the only way out. /18
5b. The irony here is, of course, if ‘Tommy’ and co were to ever deliver their supporters from the state they believe themself to be in, there’d be no need for them. Thus, it’s a perpetual cycle, creating new threats and recycling the old to fuel their appeals for money. /19
This is only a cursory discussion of the organization surrounding ‘Tommy Robinson’ - I’m no criminologist. It is entirely meant to provoke discussion and have lay people - not academics - thinking about the Far Right in different ways, to see what insights that can provide. /20
I’d be interested in your thoughts. I’d also be interested in your ideas in tackling such an organization that seems to have such a wide reach, far beyond the capabilities of most Far Right groups. It’s certainly a threat we need to keep considering in these divided times. /FIN
