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Mauritania’s Illicit Activities: A Web of Corruption and Crime

Despite efforts to combat corruption and crime, Mauritania remains plagued by a range of illicit activities, from drug trafficking to financial crimes. The country’s porous borders and weak law enforcement have created an environment conducive to criminal activity.

Drug Trafficking Remains Rampant

Cannabis trafficking is a significant problem in Mauritania, with large quantities frequently seized despite the fact that there are fewer law enforcement officials at the Morocco-Mauritania border compared to the Algeria-Morocco border. Some shipments are smuggled near the coast, with Nouadhibou serving as an important hub for onward transport.

Synthetic Drugs on the Rise

In recent years, there has been a surge in the use of synthetic drugs, particularly in larger cities. The increased availability of these substances is believed to be linked to their ease of production and distribution.

Cyber Crimes on the Increase

Mauritania’s increasing reliance on technology has made it more vulnerable to cyber-dependent crimes. Officials suspect that many attacks on government and private sector websites are perpetrated by individuals located abroad.

Financial Crimes Widespread

Corruption is a significant problem in Mauritania, with financial crimes including embezzlement of public resources and corruption widespread. The country’s financial intelligence unit has been criticized for its ineffectiveness in combating these crimes.

Criminal Networks Involved

Foreign actors, including groups from Morocco, Algeria, Mali, Senegal, and Sahrawis, are involved in Mauritania’s drug and human smuggling markets. Malian criminal networks have also been linked to human trafficking activities in the country, collaborating with Mauritanians and Senegalese as facilitators.

State Collusion and Weak Governance

Corruption is a significant challenge for Mauritania, with state officials often colluding with criminals. The lack of effective governance has created an environment in which criminal activity can thrive.

Economic and Financial Environment

Mauritania’s informal sector and underdeveloped financial infrastructure make it difficult to detect money laundering. Anti-money laundering legislation exists, but enforcement is challenging.

Civil Society Constrained

Civil society groups are heavily constrained by the country’s regime and intimidated by security forces. Human rights defenders, activists, journalists, and bloggers have been arrested and imprisoned for speaking out against corruption and abuse.

Efforts to Combat Illicit Activities

The Mauritanian government has taken some steps to combat illicit activities, including introducing anti-money laundering legislation and establishing a hotline for victims of crime. However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of corruption and criminal activity in the country.