Angola’s Criminal Underworld: A Labyrinth of Corruption and Violence

The Breeding Ground for Small Mafia-Style Groups

Luanda, Angola - Angola’s urban centers have become breeding grounds for small mafia-style groups that are wreaking havoc on the country’s criminal landscape. These groups, often armed with weapons left over from the civil war, target individuals withdrawing large sums of money from banks and engage in violent crimes.

Weak Police Presence Allows Criminals to Operate with Impunity

The police presence is weak in poor urban neighborhoods, allowing these groups to operate with impunity. According to sources, there has been a worrying collaboration between thieves and corrupt bank officials, making it easy for criminals to launder their ill-gotten gains.

State-Embedded Actors: The Biggest Threat

High-Ranking Government Officials and Business Leaders Engage in Financial Crimes

But it’s not just small-time crooks that are causing trouble in Angola. State-embedded actors - high-ranking government officials and business leaders with close ties to the ruling elite - have been accused of embezzlement, money laundering, and other financial crimes.

The Case Against Isabel Dos Santos: An Example of Widespread Corruption

The case against Isabel Dos Santos, the daughter of former President José Eduardo dos Santos, is just one example of the widespread corruption that has plagued Angola’s political system. Dos Santos, who has denied all allegations of wrongdoing, faces charges of embezzlement and money laundering.

Foreign Criminal Actors: A Growing Threat

Nationals from the Democratic Republic of Congo Involved in Illegal Activities

Angola is also home to foreign criminal actors, including nationals from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) involved in illegal diamond mining and Chinese syndicates involved in human trafficking, wildlife trafficking, and illegal logging.

Wave of Violence Targets Chinese Business Owners

In 2016, a wave of violence swept through Luanda, targeting primarily Chinese business owners. The attacks were attributed to a group of armed robbers who had ties to the DRC’s corrupt elite.

Economic and Financial Environment: A Recipe for Disaster

Vulnerable Banking System and Political Connections Facilitate Corruption

Angola’s economic environment is ripe for corruption. The country’s banking system is vulnerable to corrupt elites, and political connections are often necessary to expand a business in the country.

Oil Price Shock and COVID-19 Pandemic Exacerbate Economic Strains

The oil price shock of 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic has put a significant strain on the Angolan economy. With corruption running rampant, it’s no wonder that $17 billion has been funnelled out of the country by corrupt networks of government officials and European banks over the last five years.

Civil Society and Social Protection: A Fragile Safety Net

Weak Civil Society and Limited Freedom of Press

Angola’s civil society is weak and often suppressed by the government. Freedom of the press is limited, with ongoing criminal defamation laws leading to censorship of journalists.

Inadequate Support for Victims of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking

Despite some improvements in recent years, the country still lags behind in supporting victims of modern slavery and human trafficking. The witness protection programme, established in 2020, has yet to be implemented.

Conclusion

Angola’s criminal underworld is a complex web of corruption, violence, and financial crimes. While some progress has been made under the current leadership, much work remains to be done to combat these issues.

Addressing Economic Fragility and Civil Society Weaknesses Crucial for Progress

The country’s economic environment is fragile, and its civil society is weak and often suppressed by the government. Until these issues are addressed, Angola will continue to struggle with widespread corruption and violence.