Mongolia’s Drug Markets Pose Growing Threat

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - As the country’s drug markets continue to expand, law enforcement officials are warning of a growing threat from organized crime groups operating in the region.

The Rise of Cybercrime and Financial Crimes

According to recent reports, Mongolia has seen a surge in cyber-attacks and financial crimes over the past decade. Russian and Chinese hacking groups are believed to be involved in these activities. The development of technological infrastructure in the country is thought to have contributed to the rise of cybercrime, which could compromise national security.

Organized Crime Groups and Illicit Activities

• Mafia-style groups are not believed to have a significant presence in Mongolia, but loose criminal networks are thought to be involved in illegal mining and other criminal activities.
• These networks are linked to demand from abroad and rely on foreign partners to carry out trafficking activities.
• Local and national politicians have been found to be involved in various illicit practices, including illegal mining.
• Judges and police have been bribed or faced political pressure from powerful actors linked to criminal networks.

Challenges in Implementing Anti-Crime Efforts

• The government has signed and ratified international treaties related to organized crime, but implementation has been limited due to language barriers and tensions between law enforcement and immigration officials.
• The country’s legal framework is strong, but the enforcement and implementation of laws remain major challenges.
• Corruption remains a major challenge for Mongolia, with state actors often supporting illegal activities carried out in the country.

Efforts to Combat Organized Crime

• In recent years, Mongolia has tightened its drug legislation, imposing harsher sentences for drug smuggling and making organizing drug trafficking punishable by a life sentence.
• The government has launched a new recovery policy aimed at addressing economic constraints and increasing industrialization, energy, urban and rural development, green development, and efficient governance.

Challenges in Combating Money Laundering

• The lack of official gambling legislation and concrete crowdfunding laws may increase the risk of money laundering activities.
• The police’s investigative capacity and ability to track assets abroad remain major limitations.

Role of Civil Society Organizations

• Civil society organizations play a vital role in anti-corruption work, preventing and caring for victims of human trafficking, and victim support.
• However, victim support facilities are inadequate, and psychosocial care is limited.

As Mongolia continues to grapple with organized crime, corruption, and financial crimes, it is clear that a concerted effort will be needed to address these issues and protect the country’s citizens.