Bhutan’s Hidden Criminal Underbelly: Human Trafficking, Illicit Trade, Environmental Crimes, and Financial Corruption

Bhutan, known for its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and commitment to environmental conservation, harbors a darker side. While economic development and political stability remain the national focus, various forms of criminal activities have begun to emerge, causing concern for the government and international community.

Human Trafficking: A Modern-Day Scourge

Bhutan acts as a transit hub for human trafficking, with both domestic and foreign victims falling prey to exploitation. This section covers the prevalence of human trafficking and its impact on Bhutan.

Bhutan’s vulnerability to domestic servitude, forced labor, and sexual exploitation due to children under 14 legally allowed to work
Increased cases of forced labor due to the surge in unregistered foreign recruitment agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic
Bhutanese women sent for forced labor to countries like Iraq and Oman

Environmental Crimes: Unchecked Destruction

Illegal activities in Bhutan’s environment sector, including logging, tree smuggling, the illegal caterpillar fungus trade, and tiger poaching, are addressed in this section.

Illegal logging and tree smuggling
Bhutan’s role as a source and transit country for the illegal caterpillar fungus trade
The issue of tiger poaching and smuggling across the porous borders

This section covers various forms of trade-related crimes in Bhutan, such as the trade of counterfeit goods, tobacco products, and gold.

The substantial market for counterfeit goods in Bhutan
Prevalence of illegal tobacco trade
Gold smuggling and the use of porous borders to avoid high import taxes

Financial Crimes: The Digital Threat

As Bhutan increasingly relies on digital platforms and tourism, financial crimes, primarily linked to cybercrimes, have become a concern in this sector.

The rise of corruption in public procurement processes
The growing issue of cyber-enabled financial crimes, like phishing activities

Cyber Crimes: A Growing Concern

This section covers cybercrimes in Bhutan and their impact on the country.

An increase in cybercrimes during the COVID-19 pandemic
Instances of ransomware attacks, website defacements, and hacked messages through social media accounts

Organized Crime: The Expanding Reach

Organized crime networks in Bhutan are increasingly extending their reach, engaging in activities such as gold smuggling, drug trafficking, human trafficking, wildlife poaching, and timber smuggling.

Loosely organized crime networks in Bhutan
Criminal activities such as gold smuggling, drug trafficking, human trafficking, wildlife poaching, and timber smuggling

Leadership and Governance: A Test of Will

Bhutan has made progress in improving its governance and politics, but addressing the issue of organized crime remains a challenge.

Addressing the persistent problem of human trafficking due to inadequate legislation
The need for increased transparency and accountability to effectively combat organized crime