Financial Crime World

Angola’s Fight Against Organized Crime: Challenges and Progress

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Overview

Angola has made some strides in combating organized crime, but significant challenges persist. This report highlights the country’s progress and areas for improvement.

Progress Made

  • Ratification of International Instruments: Angola has ratified key international legal instruments aimed at combating corruption and human trafficking.
  • Establishment of Independent Office: An independent special office has been established to combat corruption and human trafficking.
  • Efforts to Combat Crime: The police force has launched operations, including Operation Transparency, to tackle crime.

Challenges Remaining

Criminal Justice and Security

Judiciary Independence

  • The judiciary is not independent, with the executive controlling appointments and promotions.

Prison Conditions

  • Prisons are overcrowded, and many inmates lack basic human rights.

Police Corruption and Capacity

  • The police force is understaffed and plagued by corruption.
  • Border control is challenging due to extensive borders and limited resources.

Economic and Financial Environment

Business Environment

  • Angola is one of the most difficult countries in which to do business, with poor land and property rights and high levels of institutionalized corruption.

Banking System Vulnerabilities

  • The banking system is vulnerable to corrupt elites.
  • Political connections are often needed to expand a business.

Civil Society and Social Protection

Support for Victims

  • Angola meets only a third of international mechanisms agreed on to support victims exiting modern slavery.
  • Efforts have been made to support victims of trafficking and people who use drugs.

Freedom of the Press

  • Freedom of the press remains limited, with ongoing criminal defamation laws leading to censorship of journalists.

Key Challenges

  • Lack of independence in the judiciary
  • Corruption and institutional weakness in law enforcement and government agencies
  • Limited capacity to combat money laundering and financial crimes
  • Weak civil society and human rights environment

Positive Developments

  • Establishment of an independent special office to combat corruption and human trafficking
  • Launch of operations to combat crime, including Operation Transparency
  • Improvements in support for victims of trafficking and people who use drugs
  • Efforts to restore investor confidence through anti-corruption measures