Combating Organized Crime in Syria: A Complex Challenge

The Syrian conflict has created a fertile ground for various forms of organized crime to flourish. The country’s deeply entrenched corruption, politicized judicial system, and ineffective law enforcement make it difficult to address these crimes effectively.

Key Challenges in Combating Organized Crime in Syria

Criminal Actors

• State-embedded actors: Corruption, bribery, and nepotism are prevalent, with state-embedded actors controlling significant portions of the country’s criminal markets.
• Criminal networks: These networks operate across the country, often with links to foreign actors.
• Foreign actors: External groups and individuals have also become involved in organized crime in Syria.

Leadership and Governance

• The Syrian regime’s centralization of power has restricted civil society and limited efforts to combat organized crime.
• The government controls major cities but lacks territorial integrity due to opposition groups, jihadis, and foreign actors holding large parts of the country.

Economic and Financial Environment

• Internationally imposed sanctions suggest complicity from the Syrian central bank in money-laundering schemes.
• The economic crisis has led to:
  • Soaring inflation
  • Devaluation of the pound
  • Fuel shortages
  • Electricity shortages
  • Food insecurity
  • Widespread poverty

Civil Society and Social Protection

• Efforts by the government to support victims and witnesses of organized crime are limited.
• There is a lack of protection services for:
  • Children recruited by armed groups
  • Women who are afraid to report sexual abuse due to further sexual abuse.

The complex environment in Syria makes it challenging to address organized crime effectively. However, addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that involves both domestic and international efforts to combat corruption, improve governance, and provide support to affected communities.