Financial Crime World

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Eritrea’s Vulnerabilities to Crime: A Complex Web of Weak Governance and Corruption

Crime in Eritrea: A Culture of Impunity

  • The lack of an independent judiciary and democratic institutions has resulted in a climate of impunity with respect to crimes against humanity over the past 25 years.
  • Arbitrary arrest and detention are common, and due process is systematically violated.
  • Prison conditions are harsh and severely overcrowded.

Criminal Justice and Security: A System in Crisis

  • Eritrea’s judicial system is poorly organized and dependent on the government, with instances of interference by the executive branch.
  • There are no specialized units to counter organized crime in force.
  • The “shoot to kill” policy towards unauthorized border crossings has been reported.

Economic and Financial Environment: A Haven for Money Laundering

  • Eritrea is considered vulnerable to money laundering and related activities due to its informal economy, limited regulatory structures, and underground remittances.
  • The non-convertibility of the nakfa in international markets contributes to the use of underground remittance systems.
  • Corruption is widespread, and bribery is common.

Civil Society and Social Protection: A Lack of Support for Victims

  • The lack of victim and witness support mechanisms is an ongoing problem.
  • The government has failed to identify and support victims of trafficking.
  • Human rights are routinely violated, and civil society organizations are prohibited.

Contributing Factors to Eritrea’s Vulnerabilities to Crime

  • Weak governance and institutions
  • Lack of transparency and accountability
  • Corruption and impunity
  • Limited economic opportunities and informal economy
  • Human rights abuses and suppression of civil liberties

These interconnected factors create an environment that is conducive to organized crime, money laundering, and other illicit activities. Until Eritrea addresses these underlying issues, it will remain vulnerable to a range of criminal threats.