Equatorial Guinea: A Hotbed for Financial Fraud, Sex Trafficking, and Armed Smuggling

In the heart of Central Africa, Equatorial Guinea continues to be a magnet for illicit activities. Despite its Oil-rich status, the country’s wealth remains concentrated among the ruling elite, leaving the majority impoverished and vulnerable to exploitation.

Human Trafficking

Amidst tropical rainforests and bustling cities, Equatorial Guinea serves as both a source and a destination for human trafficking, primarily sex trafficking and forced labor. The most violent exploitation occurs in cities like Malabo, Bata, and Mongomo, with women and children, both local and foreign, being the most vulnerable.

• Trafficking victims originate from Equatorial Guinea and neighboring countries like Brazil, Venezuela, Columbia, Paraguay, Ethiopia, Benin, and Cameroon.
• Security force officials and business elites are involved in the criminal market.

Arms Smuggling

Equatorial Guinea’s porous borders and rampant corruption have given rise to arms smuggling, a significant concern due to the instability in neighboring countries like Chad and the Central African Republic.

• Piracy and maritime crimes, especially in the Gulf of Guinea where Malabo is located, are rampant.
• Local authorities and armed groups are suspected of being involved in the weapons trade.

Illicit Trade and Environmental Destruction

While not well-documented, large-scale smuggling, such as a tobacco company involved in illicit networks to dispose of its products in 2012, is a concern. Environmental destruction, mainly due to illegal logging and unsustainable hunting, poses a significant threat, especially to Bioko Island’s unique wildlife.

Financial Fraud

Despite being among the largest oil producers in sub-Saharan Africa, financial crimes are widespread, particularly among those close to the president. The ruling elite’s ill-gotten wealth and control of major economic sectors have led to a pervasive system that serves them.

• Public corruption, unfair trials, and repression of civil society groups and opposition politicians continue to persist.

State-Embedded Criminal Actors

Equatorial Guinea’s state-embedded criminal actors remain ubiquitous, with high-level officials profiting from corrupt practices and private sector actors colluding in illegal activities like human trafficking and forced labor.

• Foreign criminal actors, such as Spanish, Chinese, North Korean, Russian groups, are involved in various illicit activities.

International Investigations

International investigations into the ruling family and its alleged network for laundering embezzled funds have resulted in the recovery of millions of dollars in assets, highlighting the stunning amount of corruption taking place within the nation.

Despite efforts to address the root causes of these systemic issues, Equatorial Guinea’s illicit activities are likely to persist.