Eritrea: A State-Controlled Criminal Enterprise

In a shocking expose, it has emerged that Eritrea’s authoritarian government is deeply embroiled in organized criminal activity, with state actors and officials perpetuating human trafficking, corruption, and money laundering.

State-Embedded Criminals

Eritrean diplomats abroad have been accused of bribery and facilitating human trafficking.
Police and military personnel are involved in trafficking along the Sudanese border.
The Rashaida traffickers, aided by Eritreans, operate along the Eritrea-Sudan border and allegedly kidnap individuals for ransom in the Sinai peninsula or Libya.

Government Control and Corruption

The government, led by President Isaias Afwerki, exercises total control over the economy, with little regard for human rights or freedoms.
The lack of transparency and accountability has allowed corruption to flourish, with few foreign criminal actors able to operate within its borders.

Criminal Justice System in Crisis

Eritrea’s judiciary is non-existent, with no independent institutions or democratic structures.
Prison conditions are harsh, with severe overcrowding and a lack of specialized units to combat organized crime.
Law enforcement capacities are weak, with corruption and bribery rampant.

Economic Vulnerabilities

The country’s cash- based economy, dominated by informal money transfer systems like the hawala, makes it vulnerable to money laundering.
The state-controlled banks are opaque, and there is no clear reference to money laundering in Eritrean laws or proclamations.

There is a lack of government efforts to identify, protect, or support victims of trafficking.
No proactive victim identification mechanisms are in place, and foreign victims have no alternative but to be deported back to their home countries.

Consequences

Eritrea’s authoritarian regime has created an environment where crime thrives, with few consequences for those involved.
The country’s economy is weak, with citizens experiencing shortages of basic necessities like fuel, water, and electricity.
The international community has imposed a 12-year arms embargo on Eritrea, citing its lack of transparency and human rights abuses.

Conclusion

As the world grapples with the complexities of organized criminal activity, it is clear that Eritrea’s government-controlled criminal enterprise poses significant challenges to regional stability and global security. It is imperative that international authorities take concrete steps to address these issues and support the people of Eritrea in their quest for justice and human rights.