Assessing Brunei’s Vulnerability to Transnational Organized Crime

Brunei, a small country in Southeast Asia, has been found to be vulnerable to various forms of transnational organized crime. This assessment highlights the key areas where Brunei is exposed and the measures that need to be taken to address these threats.

Drug Trade: A Growing Concern

Cocaine Trafficking

Brunei serves as a significant transit point for cocaine from Latin America, indicating its vulnerability to international drug trafficking networks.
No evidence of domestic production or distribution, but seizures and arrests suggest that there are large-scale operations in the country.

Methamphetamine Trafficking

Syabu (methamphetamine) has seen an increase in trafficking and use, with significant consequences for public health and security.

Human Trafficking: A Hidden Threat

Lack of Clear Definitions

Brunei’s criminal code lacks clear definitions of human trafficking, which can lead to misunderstandings and inadequate capacity for law enforcement to address this issue.
No prosecutions or convictions, despite the establishment of an inter-agency team to investigate cases.

Foreign Workers at Risk

Foreign workers are often deported and/or convicted as irregular workers rather than being identified as victims of human trafficking, highlighting the need for better protection mechanisms.

Economic and Financial Environment: A Vulnerable Landscape

Oil-Dependent Economy

Brunei’s economy is heavily reliant on oil extraction, which accounts for almost all exports and over half of the country’s GDP.
Lack of economic diversification, due in part to its centralized state structure, makes it challenging for the country to transition away from dependence on a single industry.

Beneficial Ownership and Tax Secrecy

Brunei’s financial system allows beneficial ownership and tax secrecy, increasing vulnerability factors such as human trafficking.
Challenges in regulating the economy, including anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), require attention from authorities.

Criminal Justice and Security: A Complex System

Dual Legal System

Brunei’s legal system is divided between secular and Sharia courts, with the latter following a strict interpretation of Islamic law.
Inconsistent treatment of defendants, including those in death penalty cases, raises concerns about fairness and due process.

Prisons and Rehabilitation

Conditions in prisons are not well-documented, and there have been no prosecutions or convictions for human trafficking despite efforts by the inter-agency team to investigate potential cases.
Rehabilitation programs for victims of crime, including those trafficked, require improvement.

Dedicated Facility Needed

Brunei has no dedicated facility for addressing human trafficking, but it does have rehabilitation and protection centers to assist victims.
Limited resources are allocated for social protection programs, including those aimed at supporting victims of crime.

Protection Programs Lacking

There is no known protection program for victims of human trafficking, highlighting the need for comprehensive support services.