Mauritania’s Criminal Underworld: A Growing Threat to Stability

Illicit Cannabis Trade

Despite being illegal, cannabis consumption is rampant in Mauritania, with the country serving as a significant transit point for Moroccan-sourced cannabis destined for Europe and the Middle East. The smuggling of synthetic drugs has also become increasingly common, particularly in larger cities.

Cyber Crimes on the Rise

Mauritania’s increasing reliance on technology has made it vulnerable to cyber-dependent crimes, including attacks on government and private sector websites. Officials suspect that the perpetrators are located abroad, highlighting the need for improved cybersecurity measures.

Financial Crimes Widespread

Financial corruption is a significant problem in Mauritania, with corruption and embezzlement of public resources being the primary offenses. The country’s financial intelligence unit has been criticized for its lack of effectiveness in curbing financial crimes, which are fueled by low wages and a lack of parliamentary control over the budget.

Criminal Actors

Foreign actors, including groups from Morocco, Algeria, Mali, Senegal, and the 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-Embedded Corruption

While there is no evidence of mafia-style groups in Mauritania, state-embedded actors are involved in certain criminal markets, particularly the smuggling of goods. The country’s large informal sector makes it vulnerable to the activities of criminal groups, which have infiltrated various industries including mining, fishing, and agriculture.

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 due to weak human, technical, and financial resources.

Victims of trafficking in Mauritania often lack access to justice and support programs. The government’s victim and witness support initiatives are limited, and there are few concrete measures in place to identify trafficking victims.

Call to Action

The Mauritanian authorities must take a more proactive approach to addressing the country’s criminal underworld, including:

Strengthening its financial intelligence unit
Improving cybersecurity measures
Promoting transparency and accountability

Civil society organizations must also be given greater freedom to operate without fear of repression. The international community can support these efforts by providing technical assistance and financial aid to help Mauritania build a more stable and prosperous future.