São Tomé and Príncipe: A Potential Transit Country for Synthetic Drugs

São Tomé and Príncipe, a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, is vulnerable to organized crime due to its strategic location and geographic characteristics. While synthetic drugs are not commonly found in local markets, the country’s proximity to major drug trafficking routes makes it a potential transit point for these substances.

Cyber Crimes on the Rise

The country has experienced sporadic reports of cyber-dependent crimes, primarily targeting private institutions such as banks and government authorities.
However, São Tomé and Príncipe lacks a regulatory framework and law enforcement capacity to effectively counter these crimes.

Financial Crimes Widespread

Financial crimes are likely more prevalent in São Tomé and Príncipe than reported, with embezzlement of public funds by government officials being a major concern.
Tax evasion and avoidance also plague the country, estimated to cost around US$120,000 per year.
The government is working to address these deficiencies, but the country’s regulatory and supervisory processes lack capacity to respond to money laundering and terrorist financing risks.

Economic Challenges

São Tomé and Príncipe is a lower-middle-income country with a fragile economy vulnerable to external shocks.
Factors such as inflation linked to the war in Ukraine, increasing fuel prices, and climate change-related bad weather are contributing to an economic slowdown.
High unemployment and low wages also contribute to incentives for organized criminal activity.

While some government initiatives exist to support victims of organized crime, there are no established assistance programs for these individuals in São Tomé and Príncipe.
The country lacks an explicit organized crime prevention policy and external support.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operate freely but face funding challenges, hindering their ability to operate independently.

Challenges in Law Enforcement

São Tomé and Príncipe’s law enforcement agencies often lack necessary equipment and qualified personnel, limiting their response to and combat against criminality.
The country is also dependent on foreign vessels and warships for maritime crime prevention.

Territorial Integrity

The country’s territorial integrity is guaranteed under its Constitution, but the armed forces’ resources are inefficient to operate unilaterally.
Foreign assistance is crucial for carrying out territorial maritime surveillance and defense.

Conclusion

São Tomé and Príncipe faces numerous challenges in combating organized crime, including a lack of regulatory frameworks, financial infrastructure, and law enforcement capacity. The country’s economic fragility and high unemployment rates also create incentives for criminal activity. Addressing these issues will require sustained international cooperation and domestic efforts to strengthen the country’s institutions and economy.