Equatorial Guinea: A Hotbed for Criminal Activities

In the heart of Central Africa, Equatorial Guinea, a country rich in natural resources, continues to serve as a hotbed for various forms of criminal activities.

Human Trafficking and Exploitation

Far from the glamour and wealth that the oil-rich nation might promise, Equatorial Guinea remains a source of concern for regional and international organizations fighting against human exploitation and organized crime. The country is identified as a significant destination and transit point for men, women, and children subjected to:

• Forced labor
• Sex trafficking

The worst-affected cities are Malabo, Bata, and Mongomo, where:

• Citizens from neighboring countries
• Local women

are vulnerable to exploitation.

Affected Populations

• Central and West African workers
• Children

Traffickers

• Brazil, Venezuela, Columbia, Paraguay, Ethiopia, Benin, and Cameroon

Arms Smuggling and Maritime Crimes

Equatorial Guinea’s strategic location poses a significant threat to the region’s security, with the Gulf of Guinea acting as a hub for piracy and maritime crimes.

Small Arms and Light Weapons Smuggling

• Towards neighboring countries
• Linked to drug and human trafficking

Corrupt Officials and Arms Trafficking

• Involvement of members of the ruling elite

Environmental Crimes

Despite recent oil boom, unsustainable timber exploitation is on the decline, but operators have continued to systematically cut prohibited species and export logs, disregarding regulations.

• Widespread corruption in the sector
• Illegal logging

Financial Misappropriation

Equatorial Guinea’s largest commodity, oil, has been a significant contributor to the country’s economic growth. However, the oil and mineral-related profits have been largely diverted to a corrupt and unaccountable elite, slowing down the development of living standards and improvements.

Drug Trafficking

• Concern over drug trafficking, including heroin, cocaine, and cannabis
• Limited evidence of organized groups involved in drug trafficking

Political Instability and Corruption

Despite political leadership expressing a desire to counter organized crime, lack of actions and the belief that some members of the leadership benefit from criminal schemes make them an unreliable ally in the fight against corruption and organized crime.

Foreign Actors

• Spanish, Chinese, North Korean actors involved in sex trafficking and forced labor
• Russian actors engaged in arms trafficking with local officials

Conclusion

While it is essential to address the role of foreign actors in Equatorial Guinea’s criminal markets, the root cause of the problem stems from political instability, corruption, and weak law enforcement within the country.