Mongolia’s Growing Concerns Over Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - As Mongolia continues to grow its economy and strengthen its relations with neighboring Russia and China, concerns are mounting over the risks of drug trafficking and organized crime.

Growing Risks

Recent years have seen a surge in cyber-attacks, including a major security breach at one of the country’s largest certificate authorities. Experts believe that the development of technological infrastructure may be promoting the use of cyber-tools by criminal organizations, increasing the risk of cybercrime and compromising national cyber-security.

Financial crimes, including pyramid schemes and cyber-enabled frauds, have had a significant impact on the economy.
Corruption remains a major challenge in Mongolia, with state actors often supporting illegal activities carried out in the country.

Concerns Over Drug Trafficking

Mongolia’s proximity to Russia and China, both of which have large drug markets, increases the risk of drug trafficking into and through Mongolia. The country’s porous borders and lack of adequate infrastructure make it difficult to monitor and control drug trafficking and other forms of organized crime.

Organized Crime Groups

Mongolia does not appear to have a significant presence of mafia-style groups, but rather loose criminal networks are a prominent feature of organized crime in the country.
These networks are linked to demand from abroad and local actors are required to work with foreign networks to carry out trafficking activities.

Examples of Organized Crime

Chinese criminal networks collaborate with illegal gold miners in Mongolia to smuggle gold out of the country.

Efforts to Combat Organized Crime

Despite these challenges, Mongolia is taking steps to combat organized crime. The government has established a range of agencies and units dedicated to combating drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other forms of organized crime.

The country’s intelligence agency can conduct criminal investigations into cross-border trafficking and organized crime.
The police share intelligence with Russia, China, and other countries through INTERPOL.

Challenges in Combating Organized Crime

Mongolia’s ability to follow up on drug trafficking, human trafficking, and contraband crimes is limited due to inadequate infrastructure and corruption within its borders.

Victim support facilities in Mongolia are inadequate and psychosocial care is limited.
A culture of victim-blaming persists, and the government provides funding to anti-traffic NGOs that support victims of human trafficking.

Progress in Preventative Measures

The country’s Parliament has passed a bill to protect whistle-blowers from harassment and prevent them from becoming victims of crime or revenge.
Mongolia is also making progress in terms of preventative measures with the help of foreign NGOs and embassy communities.

Conclusion

Mongolia’s growing economy and strengthened relations with neighboring countries present both opportunities and challenges for the country. While the government is taking steps to combat organized crime, the risks posed by drug trafficking and cyber-attacks are significant and require continued attention and cooperation from international partners.