Worrying Trend of Thieves and Banks Colluding in Luanda

Luanda, Angola - A disturbing phenomenon is taking shape in Luanda’s urban centers, where thieves and banks are reportedly colluding to target individuals withdrawing large sums of money. The criminal groups, armed with weapons left over from the civil war and supplied by corrupt security companies, have been attacking victims and making off with their cash.

The Emergence of Mafia-Style Groups

Weak police presence in poor neighborhoods has contributed to the emergence of these mafia-style groups.
These groups operate across multiple criminal markets and are notorious for their involvement in wildlife trafficking and forestry.
They often receive protection from corrupt police officers and continue to operate with impunity.

State-Embedded Actors: A Major Threat

The anti-corruption efforts of President João Lourenço have led to numerous high-profile cases of fraud and financial crimes.
State-embedded actors remain the most powerful criminal actors in Angola, with many officials and business leaders facing similar charges or having already been convicted of money laundering.

Foreign Criminal Actors

The Democratic Republic of Congo is home to nationals involved in illegal diamond mining.
Chinese syndicates operate in various criminal markets, including illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, and human trafficking.
In 2016, the Chinese mafia was linked to increased violence in Luanda, with cases of kidnapping targeting primarily Chinese nationals.

Leadership’s Efforts

President Lourenço has taken steps to restore investor confidence by prioritizing anti-corruption and calling for the restructuring of state-own enterprises.
However, Angola remains one of the most difficult countries in which to do business due to poor land and property rights, high levels of institutionalized corruption, and a vulnerable banking system.

Angola has made some progress in supporting victims of trafficking and human rights abuses, but much remains to be done.
The country meets only a third of international mechanisms for supporting victims exiting modern slavery and has limited resources for rehabilitation services for people who use drugs.
Freedom of the press is still limited, with ongoing criminal defamation laws leading to censorship of journalists. Civil society has been granted more leeway in recent years but remains weak and often faces suppression by the government.

Conclusion

Angola is facing a worrying trend of thieves and banks colluding, which highlights the need for strong anti-corruption measures to combat money laundering and restore investor confidence. The country’s vulnerable banking system, high levels of institutionalized corruption, and limited resources for social protection make it an acutely difficult place to do business. It is crucial that the government prioritizes these issues and works towards creating a more stable and secure environment for its citizens.