Financial Crime World

Caribbean Countries Face Rise in Organized Crime

The Caribbean region is facing an unprecedented surge in organized crime, with Guyana being a major transit point for illegal drugs, wildlife trafficking, and other illicit activities.

Guyana: A Hub for Illegal Activities

According to a recent report, Guyana is a significant source country for precious wood, mainly shipped to China. The country’s gold mining industry is also controlled by organizations that benefit from the commercialization of timber.

  • Thousands of birds, mammals, and reptiles from neighboring countries are transported through Guyana to Mexico, the United States, and Singapore.
  • Guyana has become a key player in the illegal trafficking of endangered species, including parrots, macaws, and jaguars.

Cocaine Trafficking and Other Illicit Markets

The report highlights Guyana’s role as a major transit point for non-renewable resources such as mercury and gold, which is trafficked from Venezuelan mines controlled by criminal organizations.

  • Cocaine trafficking is the largest illicit market in Guyana, with the country serving as a transit point for Colombian cocaine destined for the United States, Canada, Europe, and West Africa.
  • Cannabis production in Guyana is also on the rise, with some of it being exported to meet demand in other countries.

Corruption and Political Instability

The study concludes that Guyana’s mafia-style organizations operate in both its legal and illegal economies, including construction, cocaine, heroin, and arms trafficking. State actors at all levels facilitate the functioning of criminal markets and operate actively within them.

  • The report highlights the country’s low political leadership and institutions, with accusations of electoral fraud and corruption.
  • The judiciary suffers from a lack of independence and inadequate resources, while law-enforcement institutions are plagued by corruption and a lack of resources.

Money Laundering and Financial Risks

The study concludes that Guyana has a high risk of money laundering, with the proceeds of illegal activities being concealed through various means. Unregulated currency-exchange houses and dealers in precious metals and stones also pose a risk to the country’s financial system.

  • Guyana: A Hotbed of Organized Crime
  • Caribbean Region Struggles with Illegal Wildlife Trafficking
  • US Department of State Grants Funds to Combat Organized Crime in Guyana

This article was funded in part by a grant from the United States Department of State. The opinions, findings and conclusions stated herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of State.