Eritrea’s Organized Crime Landscape

Transnational Organized Crime

Transnational organized crime is largely limited to state and military actors, as well as individuals closely associated with them. This suggests that the government’s involvement in transnational organized crime, including human trafficking, has been a significant concern.

Leadership and Governance

Eritrea operates under an authoritarian regime controlled by President Isaias Afwerki. The lack of transparency in governance is evident, with the government not publishing reliable data on the economy or crime dynamics. External efforts to support domestic data gathering have been met with resistance.

Key Governance Challenges

Lack of Transparency: The government has been criticized for its opaque nature.
No Independent Institutions: Eritrea lacks a judiciary, national assembly, and other democratic institutions.
External Support: Attempts by external actors to support domestic data gathering have been rejected.

Criminal Justice and Security

The country’s justice system is severely flawed. Prison conditions are harsh, with severe overcrowding being a major issue. The absence of an independent police oversight body and a specialized law-enforcement unit contributes to the erosion of trust in the security apparatus.

Key Challenges in Criminal Justice and Security

Harsh Prison Conditions: Overcrowding and poor living conditions in prisons.
Lack of Police Oversight: No independent body to monitor police activities.
Specialized Law Enforcement: No specialized unit to handle specific law enforcement tasks.

Economic and Financial Environment

Eritrea’s economy is at a high risk of money laundering due to its cash-based nature and widespread use of informal money transfer systems. The state currency’s limited convertibility opens up vulnerabilities to illicit financial services.

Key Economic Challenges

Money Laundering Risk: High risk of money laundering in the cash-based economy.
Informal Money Transfer Systems: Widespread use of informal systems, making it difficult to track transactions.
Limited Currency Convertibility: The state currency is not fully convertible, creating vulnerabilities.

There is no evidence of government efforts to identify, protect or support victims of trafficking. Foreign victims have no alternatives to being deported to their home countries in instances where they face punishment.

Lack of Support for Victims: No government initiatives to support victims of trafficking.
Deportation without Alternatives: Foreign victims are often deported without any alternative options.