São Tomé and Príncipe: A Transit Country for Organized Crime

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São Tomé and Príncipe, a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, is increasingly becoming a transit country for organized crime due to its strategic location and geographic characteristics. The country’s proximity to major shipping lanes and its lack of effective border control make it an attractive route for criminals seeking to smuggle drugs and other illicit goods.

Cyber Crime on the Rise

The country has also been plagued by cyber-dependent crimes, with reports of hacking and online fraud targeting private institutions and government agencies. The lack of a regulatory framework and law enforcement capacity to counter these threats makes São Tomé and Príncipe vulnerable to cyber attacks.

Consequences of Cyber Crime

Financial losses for individuals and organizations
Compromised national security
Lack of trust in digital transactions

Financial Crimes Widespread

Corruption is rampant in the country, and financial crimes are widespread. Tax evasion and avoidance are common, with estimates suggesting that the country loses around $120,000 per year due to these illicit activities. The lack of adequate means and specialized personnel to investigate these crimes makes it difficult for authorities to combat them effectively.

Impact of Financial Crimes

Undermining trust in financial institutions
Erosion of economic stability
Reduced government revenue

Criminal Actors Present

Corruption in the state and judiciary is a significant problem, and foreign criminal actors have been identified operating in the country. Drug trafficking and piracy are also concerns, with the country’s long coastline making it vulnerable to maritime crime.

Types of Criminal Activity

Drug trafficking
Piracy
Cybercrime
Fraud

Economic Challenges

São Tomé and Príncipe faces significant economic challenges, including high levels of unemployment and low wages. The country’s economy is fragile and highly vulnerable to external shocks, making it an attractive target for organized criminals seeking to exploit its vulnerabilities.

Economic Vulnerabilities

High levels of unemployment
Low wages
Fragile economy
Lack of diversified industries

Despite some government initiatives, there are no established assistance programs for victims of organized crime in São Tomé and Príncipe. NGOs operate in the sector, but a lack of funding hampers their ability to operate effectively. Freedom of the press is guaranteed, but self-censorship is common due to government influence.

Lack of assistance programs for victims of organized crime
Limited capacity of NGOs to provide support
Self-censorship in the media

Conclusion

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São Tomé and Príncipe faces significant challenges in combating organized crime, including corruption, inadequate law enforcement capacity, and economic vulnerabilities. The country’s strategic location makes it an attractive route for criminal activity, and its lack of effective border control and regulatory frameworks make it difficult to combat these threats effectively. Addressing these challenges will require sustained efforts from the government, civil society, and international partners to strengthen law enforcement capacity, improve economic governance, and protect vulnerable populations.

Recommendations

Strengthen law enforcement capacity
Improve economic governance
Establish assistance programs for victims of organized crime
Increase international cooperation and coordination