Organized Crime in Mauritania: A Complex Web of Corruption and Repression

Mauritania is a country plagued by organized crime, corruption, and repression. The government’s history of coups has led to a lack of stability, while its authoritarian regime fosters an environment where state collusion with criminal actors is common practice.

Criminal Actors: A Network of Smugglers

• Smuggling networks: Active in Mauritania, particularly for:
  • Cannabis
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Cigarettes
• State complicity: Customs officials provide smugglers with special permits to present at checkpoints

Leadership and Governance: A History of Repression

• Authoritarian regime: Characterized by a lack of transparency and accountability
• State collusion with criminal actors: Common practice, particularly against anti-corruption activists
• Prominent activists targeted: Imprisonment is common for those who speak out against corruption

Criminal Justice and Security: A System in Crisis

• Lack of division dealing with organized crime: The judicial system struggles to address the issue
• Poor prison conditions: Sanitation, medical facilities lacking, and prisoners frequently tortured by correctional officers
• Law-enforcement agencies underfunded and politicized: Corruption is rampant, and operational funding is scarce

Economic and Financial Environment: A Haven for Money Laundering

• Large informal sector: Makes it difficult to detect money laundering
• Underdeveloped financial infrastructure: Anti-money laundering legislation exists but enforcement is challenging
• Limited resources for the financial intelligence unit

Civil Society and Social Protection: Neglect of Victims

• Minimal victim support: Government-funded programs scarce, leaving victims without assistance
• Anti-slavery activists intimidated by the state: Efforts to help trafficking victims ignored
• Criminalization of sexual relations outside of marriage: Reduces potential for supporting victims of trafficking and sexual assault