Mongolia’s Growing Concerns Over Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - As Mongolia’s proximity to Russia and China raises concerns about drug trafficking and organized crime, authorities are scrambling to strengthen their defenses against these threats.

Cyber-Attacks on the Rise

According to experts, Mongolia has experienced a surge in cyber-attacks over the past decade, with Russian and Chinese hacking groups increasingly targeting the country. The development of technological infrastructure in Mongolia may be promoting the use of cyber-tools by criminal organizations, which could increase cybercrime and compromise national security.

Financial Crimes on the Rise

Financial crimes appear to be on the rise, with reports of pyramid schemes and cyber-enabled frauds emerging recently. Corruption remains a major challenge for Mongolia, with state actors often supporting illegal activities carried out in the country.

Politicians Involved in Illicit Practices

Local and national politicians have been found to be involved in a range of illicit practices, including:

• Illegal mining
• Human trafficking
• Massage parlors, hotels, bars, and karaoke clubs using victims of human trafficking with the facilitation of local police

Tobacco Companies and Counterfeit Fuel

Tobacco companies have been known to participate in the illicit trade of cigarettes into Mongolia, gaining huge profits from tax evasion at the country’s borders. Some oil extraction and sales companies have also been producing counterfeit fuel, which is then sold to gas stations for public consumption.

Government Efforts

The government has acknowledged these concerns and has taken steps to address them. Political parties are focusing on anti-corruption efforts, while civil society organizations are working to prevent and care for victims of human trafficking.

Challenges Ahead

However, experts warn that more needs to be done to combat these threats. The country’s inadequate infrastructure and corruption in customs administration make it difficult to monitor its lengthy border with China, leaving the risk of trafficking across borders high.

International Cooperation Key to Addressing Concerns

Mongolia is considered a free country, but civil society organizations face challenges in their work due to media ownership being highly concentrated and media affiliations with political parties. As the government continues to grapple with these issues, experts say that international cooperation and awareness are key to addressing the growing concerns over drug trafficking and organized crime in Mongolia.