São Tomé and Príncipe: A Hub for Transnational Crime?

Growing Concerns about Organized Crime

A recent report has raised concerns about the growing threat of organized crime in São Tomé and Príncipe, a small island nation off the coast of West Africa. The country’s strategic location and geographic characteristics make it an attractive transit point for criminal activities, including drug trafficking.

Drug Trafficking and Cybercrime

According to sources, the use of drugs in the country is often linked to tourism and cultural events, with few implications for local consumption. However, this has not prevented the spread of cyber-dependent crimes, which have targeted private institutions and government authorities.

• Types of cybercrime:
  • Hacking
  • Phishing
  • Identity theft
• Victims: private institutions and government authorities

Financial Crimes and Corruption

Financial crimes are also a major concern in São Tomé and Príncipe. While there is limited reporting on this issue, corruption is believed to be widespread, particularly among government officials. Tax evasion and avoidance are also common, resulting in significant losses for the country’s economy.

• Types of financial crimes:
  • Money laundering
  • Tax evasion
  • Corruption
• Impact: significant losses for the country’s economy

Challenges in Combating Organized Crime

Corruption and lack of resources have hindered efforts to combat organized crime in São Tomé and Príncipe. The country lacks a comprehensive regulatory framework and law enforcement capacity to address cybercrime, financial crimes, and other forms of criminal activity.

• Lack of resources:
  • Limited funding for law enforcement agencies
  • Insufficient training for law enforcement officials
• Corruption: widespread corruption among government officials

Foreign Criminal Actors and Maritime Crime

The report highlights the presence of foreign criminal actors in the country, who are believed to be involved in drug trafficking and other illicit activities. The country’s proximity to the Niger Delta, where pirate groups are based, also raises concerns about maritime crime and attacks on vessels serving the island nation.

• Foreign criminal actors: involved in drug trafficking and other illicit activities
• Maritime crime: concerns about pirate attacks on vessels

Government Efforts and Challenges

Despite these challenges, the government has taken some steps to address organized crime. In 2021, it launched an initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation between institutions responsible for preventing and fighting corruption, money laundering, and organized crime.

• Initiatives:
  • Strengthening cooperation between institutions
  • Enhancing law enforcement capacity
• Challenges: limited resources and widespread corruption

Civil Society Organizations’ Role

Civil society organizations are also playing a crucial role in addressing organized crime. While there is no established assistance program for victims of organized crime, NGOs are working with authorities to address issues such as child labor and press freedom.

• Civil society organizations:
  • Working with authorities on child labor and press freedom
  • Providing support to victims of organized crime

Conclusion

In conclusion, São Tomé and Príncipe faces significant challenges in combating organized crime. The country’s location and economic fragility make it an attractive hub for criminal activity, and corruption and lack of resources have hindered efforts to address this issue. However, with the support of international partners and civil society organizations, there is hope that the country can overcome these challenges and create a safer and more prosperous future for its citizens.