Antarctica’s White-Collar Crime Conundrum: Who Polices the Frozen Continent?

The icy landscape of Antarctica is devoid of permanent residents, except for a few thousand scientists and support staff. This lack of population has led to a complex web of jurisdictional issues in regards to criminal justice. With no established courts, prisons or police forces in sight, serious crimes committed by researchers from various countries at research bases across the frozen expanse pose a significant challenge.

The Antarctic Treaty and Jurisdictional Issues

The 53-nation Antarctic Treaty governs the conduct of workers accused of serious crimes on the continent. However, when sovereignty is disputed, as is often the case with seven countries asserting claims over parts of Antarctica, the question arises: Who polices the white-collar crime wave sweeping across this vast and remote landscape?

A Notable Instance

In one notable instance, a US cook was accused of assaulting a co-worker with a hammer at McMurdo Station in 1996. The FBI dispatched agents to investigate and apprehend the suspect, who was subsequently confined to a hut until he could be taken into custody.

Minor Infractions and Unpunished Crimes

However, minor infractions often go unpunished, with offenders simply being fired and sent packing. Drinking, which is rampant among researchers, frequently leads to brawls or incidents of indecent exposure. Robberies are rare due to the limited amount of valuables that can be brought onto the continent, and the lack of a monetary system makes it difficult for criminals to operate.

Complications Arise When Crimes Involve Multiple Nations

But when crimes involve citizens from multiple nations, things become increasingly complicated. “As soon as anything touching on Antarctic territorial sovereignty arises, one is, frankly, in a hall of mirrors,” said Alan Hemmings, a polar legal expert who once commanded a British base on the continent.

The US Bases and New Zealand’s Claims

The three US bases, including McMurdo, are situated within territory claimed by New Zealand, which adds an extra layer of complexity to the already Byzantine criminal justice system. In one high-profile case, Australian researcher Rodney Marks died in 2000 at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station under unclear circumstances. An autopsy revealed methanol poisoning, but New Zealand police were unable to determine whether his death was accidental, suicidal or even murder.

Special Arrangements for Law Enforcement

In Antarctica’s unique environment, where extreme weather conditions can render travel impossible for days or weeks, authorities must rely on special arrangements with station chiefs who double as law enforcement officials. In the case of McMurdo Station, the station manager is also a special deputy US marshal, trained in evidence protection and empowered to arrest Americans accused of crimes against other Americans.

Conclusion

Despite these challenges, researchers continue to conduct critical scientific research on the continent, often under hazardous conditions. As Antarctica’s white-collar crime wave continues to grow, the question remains: Who will police this vast and remote landscape?