Money Laundering and Organized Crime Plague Suriname

A recent report has revealed that criminal organizations from the Netherlands have strong ties to organized crime in Suriname, with foreign actors also operating in the country. The Asian diaspora is the most prominent and fastest-growing foreign criminal group, involved in fauna-related criminal markets.

Private Sector Complicity

The private sector in Suriname has been implicated in various criminal activities, including human smuggling and informal Chinese labor practices.
Large multinational corporations have been accused of pressuring government officials for lenient regulations, allowing the illegal flora market to flourish.
The mining sector has also been linked to corruption, with formal companies subcontracting artisanal miners and gold shops failing to ask for paperwork.

Government Corruption

The Surinamese government is facing challenges in combating organized crime due to entrenched state corruption and limited power.
The current government has taken steps to combat corruption and financial crimes, but nepotism remains a major issue.
The country’s legal framework is largely outdated and unenforced, making it difficult to implement effective anti-money laundering measures.

Criminal Justice System

The judiciary system in Suriname has made some progress since the new government took office, with an anti-corruption unit and a Judiciary Intervention Team established.
However, corruption remains a major issue, and the lack of modernization and implementation hinders the fight against organized crime.

Security Challenges

Suriname’s borders are porous due to its thick jungle cover, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to protect them.
Corruption within the police force and other government offices has also been reported, leading to concerns over the poor conditions in Suriname’s prisons.

Economic Environment

Suriname is facing substantial challenges related to money laundering, primarily associated with cocaine, gold, and timber trafficking.
The discovery of oil resources in Suriname may create additional complications related to money laundering and corruption.
Gold mining is also likely to attract transnational organized crime groups and some terrorist organizations.

The Surinamese government has made efforts to assist victims of human trafficking, but mechanisms to support victims in exiting modern slavery are still weak.
The country’s civil society is well-formed, with many groups and community organizations active across the country.
However, a national defamation law that punishes journalists for expressing their views against the government remains a major concern.

Conclusion

Suriname faces significant challenges in combating organized crime and money laundering due to corruption, limited power, and a lack of effective anti-money laundering measures. The private sector has been implicated in various criminal activities, and the country’s civil society is struggling to hold the government accountable for its actions.