Financial Crime World

Bahamas Besieged: Human Trafficking, Drug Smuggling, and Organized Crime Threaten Paradise Island

In the crystal-clear waters of the Bahamian Archipelago, where sun-kissed beaches and vibrant marine life draw tourists from around the world, lurk hidden dangers that threaten the peace and harmony of this idyllic haven. The Bahamas, a popular destination for vacationers, has become a breeding ground for illicit activities. This article explores the various forms of crime, including human trafficking, drug smuggling, arms trafficking, environmental crimes, and cyber crimes, that have cast a dark shadow over this beautiful paradise.

People

  • Human Trafficking: The Bahamas has become a hotspot for human trafficking, with both locals and foreigners falling victim to this nefarious trade.
    • Vulnerable Populations: Reports indicate that predominantly migrant workers from Haiti, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic are lured by false promises of employment upon arrival.
    • Exploited Workers: Women, children, irregular migrants, and displaced people are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, taking the form of domestic servitude, prostitution, or forced labor in various sectors.
    • Citizenship and Documentation Issues: Even birthright is not a guarantee of protection, as children born to non-Bahamian parents may face citizenship or documentation issues, putting them at higher risk.
    • State-Embedded Actors: State-embedded actors have reportedly been involved in human trafficking.

Trade

  • Arms Trafficking: The Bahamas, with its strategic location between the Americas and Europe, has long been a destination market for arms trafficking.
    • Trans-shipment of Weapons: The country does not produce arms, but its status as a transiting point for illicit weapons has fueled violence and criminality.
    • Criminal Networks: Criminal networks are believed to engage in both arms and drug trafficking.

Environment

  • Illegal Wildlife Trafficking: The Bahamian archipelago’s breathtaking natural beauty extends to illegal markets, with Queen Conch, a native Bahamian delicacy, being smuggled to the US and France.
  • IUU Fishing: The country’s abundant waters are home to Illegally Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, primarily perpetrated by commercial fishing fleets from neighboring countries.
  • Commercial Shark Fishing: Commercial shark fishing has re-emerged as an issue, contributing to the already fragile state of marine ecosystems.
  • Exotic Birds and Iguanas: Many exotic birds and iguanas are illegally traded as pets, further endangering these species.
  • Resource Crimes: A non-renewable resource crimes market has not been established in the Bahamas, but the country’s proximity to Venezuela’s illegally mined gold and mineral wealth indicates susceptibility.

Drugs

  • Cocaine Smuggling: Though cocaine consumption in the Bahamas remains relatively low, the country has become a key transit point for drugs bound for North America and Europe.
    • Proximity to Drug Cartels: Its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico makes it an attractive target for drug cartels, leading to an increase in drug-related violence.
  • Cannabis: Cannabis grows wild within Bahamian forests to meet local demand, making it the most prevalent illicit drug in the country.

Cyber Crimes

(This indicator was first included in the 2023 iteration of the tool)

Financial Crimes

(This indicator was first included in the 2023 iteration of the tool)

Criminal Actors

  • Foreign Criminal Actors: Foreign criminal actors, primarily cocaine traffickers from Colombia, Venezuela, and Mexico, have had a significant presence in Bahamian waters for decades.
    • Los Urabeños, Oficina de Envigado, Los Pachenca, and the Clan del Oriente: Colombian crime syndicates such as these have allegedly been active.
    • Mexican Mafias: Mexican mafias have also been implicated in drug trafficking and human trafficking.
  • Italian ‘Ndrangheta: The Italian ‘Ndrangheta is believed to have a significant presence in the Bahamas.
  • Bahamian Gangs: Bahamian gangs distribute cannabis and cocaine to tourists and locals.
  • Ties between Foreign and Bahamian Criminal Actors: Ties between the Bahamian gangs and foreign actors are well established, leading to an escalation of violence and homicides.

Leadership and Governance

The Bahamas, a stable country known for its strong democracy and respect for human rights, has seen criminal activity persist despite reforms and efforts to combat organized crime. Despite international cooperation, efforts to tackle corruption have not yielded significant results, leaving the country vulnerable to crime.