São Tomé and Príncipe: A Transit Hub for Criminal Activities

São Tomé and Príncipe, a small island nation off the coast of West Africa, has emerged as a potential transit country for various criminal activities in recent years. The country’s strategic location and geographic characteristics have made it an attractive hub for drug trafficking, cybercrime, and financial fraud.

Drug Trafficking

São Tomé and Príncipe’s proximity to major drug routes in West Africa makes it an ideal location for drug traffickers. According to reports, the use of drugs in the country is mostly linked to activities related to tourism and cultural events, with little impact on local community consumption.

The country’s strategic location has made it a hub for drug trafficking.
Drug use in the country is primarily linked to tourism and cultural events.

Cybercrime

The country has been experiencing sporadic cases of cyber-dependent crimes, primarily targeting private institutions such as banks and government authorities. However, São Tomé and Príncipe lacks a regulatory framework and law enforcement capacity to effectively combat these crimes.

The country has experienced sporadic cases of cybercrime.
Lack of regulatory framework and law enforcement capacity hinders effective combat against cybercrime.

Financial Crimes

There is limited reporting on financial crimes in São Tomé and Príncipe, but corruption and embezzlement of public funds by government officials are believed to be widespread. Tax evasion and avoidance are also common, with the country’s fragile economy making it vulnerable to external shocks.

Corruption and embezzlement of public funds are widespread.
Tax evasion and avoidance are common due to the country’s fragile economy.

Economic Challenges

São Tomé and Príncipe is a lower-middle-income country with a fragile economy that is highly dependent on external aid. The country’s economic slowdown has been exacerbated by inflation linked to the war in Ukraine, fuel price increases, and climate change-related bad weather. High levels of unemployment and low wages make it difficult for citizens to make ends meet, increasing incentives to engage in organized criminal activity.

The country’s economy is fragile and highly dependent on external aid.
Economic challenges have led to high levels of unemployment and low wages.

While some government initiatives exist to support victims of crime, there are no established programs specifically for victims of organized crime. The country’s NGO sector is small and lacks funding, making it challenging for organizations to operate independently and effectively. Freedom of the press is constitutionally guaranteed but largely respected in practice, although self- censorship is common.

Government initiatives exist to support victims of crime, but not for organized crime.
NGOs face challenges due to lack of funding and resources.

Law Enforcement

São Tomé and Príncipe’s law enforcement agencies lack the necessary equipment and qualified personnel to effectively combat criminal activity. The country relies heavily on foreign assistance for maritime surveillance and defense, making it vulnerable to attacks by pirate groups based in the Niger Delta.

Law enforcement agencies face challenges due to lack of resources.
Foreign assistance is relied upon for maritime surveillance and defense.

Conclusion

São Tomé and Príncipe is a transit hub for various criminal activities due to its strategic location and economic fragility. While some government initiatives exist to combat crime, more needs to be done to strengthen law enforcement capacity and address corruption. The country’s fragile economy and lack of funding for NGOs also make it challenging to effectively tackle organized crime.