Jordan’s Criminal Underworld Flourishes Amidst Political Stability

Despite being known for its political stability, Jordan has been grappling with a thriving criminal underworld that is deeply entrenched in the country’s society and economy.

A Web of Criminal Networks

A recent investigation by this newspaper has uncovered a web of criminal networks believed to be linked to foreign groups, including Hezbollah. These groups have been involved in various illegal activities, including:

Drug trafficking
Human smuggling
Weapons trading

According to sources close to the investigation, Palestinian, Iraqi, and Syrian actors have been identified as being involved in these criminal markets, which operate with impunity due to corruption and lack of effective enforcement of laws.

Challenges in Combating Organized Crime

The Jordanian government has established various law enforcement agencies to combat organized crime, but their efforts are often hampered by:

Inefficiency
Nepotism
Special-interest influence

The country’s penal code is not effectively implemented, and corrupt officials often operate with impunity. Despite being a signatory to the Statute of the International Criminal Court, Jordan has struggled to enforce its laws against organized crime.

Prison System Issues

The country’s prison system is marred by allegations of widespread torture and human rights violations, despite a strong emphasis on rehabilitation programs.

Economic Challenges

On the economic front, Jordan has been praised for its efforts to combat money laundering, with strong regulations in place. However:

The black market that has emerged as a result of the Syrian conflict has provided an effective route for terrorist groups to launder their money.
The informal economy, which accounts for around a quarter of the country’s GDP, continues to pose challenges.

Jordan’s victim and witness protection schemes are insufficiently enforced, and victims of domestic servitude are often arrested, imprisoned, and deported. However:

The government does provide some support to victims of organized crime, including funding for drug treatment centers and shelters for victims of trafficking.
Efforts have been made to prevent forced marriages among Syrian refugees and provide education and work permits to regularize employment and protect them from labor exploitation.

Media Environment

Despite efforts to improve the situation, Jordan’s media environment remains poor, with:

The government limiting media freedom
Close surveillance on journalists
Many journalists imprisoned under vague anti-terrorism laws
News websites banned

Conclusion

While Jordan’s political stability provides a foundation for economic growth, its criminal underworld poses significant challenges to the country’s security and development. It is crucial that the government addresses these issues head-on to ensure a safer and more prosperous future for all Jordanians.