Title: Unmasking Financial Crimes in Bhutan: A Hidden Issue in the Land of the Thunder Dragon

Human Trafficking: The Domestic Issue

Bhutan is known for its unique culture and breathtaking landscapes, but it faces a hidden issue: financial crimes.
Human trafficking is the most common form of financial crime, primarily affecting children in Bhutan.
Bhutanese and foreign children, often from Nepal and India, are subjected to forced labor, domestic servitude, and sexual exploitation.
Girls are allegedly trafficked for domestic servitude or forced into the entertainment industry, while boys and men are pushed into labor markets.
Indian women and girls are forced into prostitution, and Indian men are victims of forced labor.

Despite the large illicit arms market in northeastern India, no significant arms-related criminal activities or arms trafficking market have been identified in Bhutan.

The illegal logging and smuggling of timber is a concerning issue in Bhutan, with local ethnic groups allegedly colluding with Indian organized crime groups and corrupt Bhutanese officials.
The illicit timber is primarily destined for northeastern India.
Bhutan also serves as a transit zone for smuggling caterpillar fungus between India and China.

Bhutan has minimal evidence of heroin or cocaine markets.
However, synthetic drugs and cannabis are becoming a concern due to the oversupply in Southeast Asia.
Bhutan is primarily a transit country in the regional cannabis trade.
Wild cannabis grows freely in the country and is consumed and traded domestically.

Cybercrimes are increasingly becoming a concern in Bhutan, with the first inclusion of this indicator in the 2023 tool.
The government is working to address this issue by enhancing digital security and cooperating with international partners.

Bhutan faces a range of financial crimes, from human trafficking and illicit trade to drug trafficking and cybercrimes.
It is essential that Bhutan addresses these issues head-on to ensure the safety and security of its citizens and maintain its international reputation.
In recent years, thegovernment has taken steps to strengthen its legal framework and collaborate with international partners to tackle these challenges effectively.

To be continued…