Financial Crime World

Organized Crime in São Tomé and Príncipe: Challenges and Responses

Introduction

São Tomé and Príncipe, an island nation located off the coast of West Africa, faces significant challenges related to organized crime. This article highlights key points about the situation on the ground and the responses to these issues.

Key Points About Organized Crime in São Tomé and Príncipe

1. Synthetic Drugs and Transit Country Risks

  • Although not typically present in the local market, São Tomé and Príncipe is potentially a transit country for synthetic drug trafficking due to its location and geographic characteristics.
  • This poses a risk of the country being used as a hub for international organized crime.

2. Cyber Crimes and Limited Capacity

  • There are sporadic reports of cyber-dependent crimes targeting private institutions and governmental authorities.
  • The lack of a regulatory framework and law enforcement capacity makes it difficult to counter these crimes effectively.

3. Financial Crimes and Corruption

  • Corruption is widespread, with embezzlement of public funds by government officials being a significant issue.
  • Tax evasion and avoidance are also prevalent, costing the country around $120,000 per year.

4. Corruption in the State and Judiciary

  • Corruption in the state, particularly in the judiciary, is an issue that can exacerbate the island’s vulnerabilities.
  • This undermines trust in institutions and hinders efforts to address organized crime.

5. Possible Terrorism from Maritime Piracy

  • The presence of possible terrorism resulting from maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea is a notable organized crime threat.
  • This highlights the need for coordinated international efforts to address this issue.

6. Foreign Criminal Actors and Local Gangs

  • Foreign criminal actors have a presence in São Tomé and Príncipe, managing drug trafficking through the islands.
  • Local gangs are also involved in organized crime, including petty theft, vandalism, and extortion.

Responses to Organized Crime in São Tomé and Príncipe

1. Lack of Assistance Programs for Victims

  • There are no established assistance programs for victims of organized crime in São Tomé and Príncipe.
  • This leaves victims without support or resources to recover from their experiences.

2. No Explicit Organized Crime Prevention Policy

  • The country does not have an explicit organized crime prevention policy, although the strategic government plan contains some crime prevention measures.
  • This highlights the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to addressing organized crime.

3. Limited Capacity to Respond to Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Risks

  • The regulatory and supervisory processes lack the capacity to respond to money laundering and terrorist financing risks.
  • This poses a significant challenge in preventing and investigating these types of crimes.

Conclusion

São Tomé and Príncipe faces significant challenges in addressing organized crime, including corruption, limited capacity to respond to cyber crimes, financial crimes, and terrorism, as well as a lack of assistance programs for victims. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach that involves the government, civil society, and international partners.