Financial Crime World

Myanmar’s Resilience to Organized Crime: A Growing Concern

Decline in Myanmar’s Resilience to Organized Crime

Myanmar has seen a significant decline in its resilience to organized crime, with its score for resisting and withstanding crime dropping from 3.42 to 1.63 in the latest Global Organized Crime Index.

  • The index ranks Myanmar as the highest globally for criminal activity, surpassing its previous ranking of third among all countries.
  • The country’s ongoing conflict and instability have contributed to this decline, affecting international cooperation and aid delivery.

International Cooperation and Aid Delivery Affected

The international community’s decision not to engage directly with the military government after the 2021 coup has led to a significant drop in international cooperation.

  • Aid delivery and programming in Myanmar have been severely impacted, with an 85% drop in overall aid contributions since 2021.
  • Donors have suspended their government-to-government aid agreements, partnerships, and projects, promising instead to support civil society and humanitarian efforts.

Challenges on the Ground

The situation on the ground remains dire, with civil society and communities under fire.

  • Difficulties in getting funding into Myanmar due to the Financial Action Task Force’s blacklisting of the country.
  • The conflict has led to increased vulnerability and fueled crime, with new illicit markets emerging.

Cyber-Dependent Crimes: A Growing Concern

Myanmar scores 7.5 for cyber-dependent crimes, including cyberscam centers that have sprung up across the country, particularly in border towns and special economic zones.

  • This phenomenon affects not only Myanmar’s stability but also neighboring countries and the wider region.
  • Experts warn that the situation in Myanmar is a canary in the coal mine for the rest of the world, highlighting the need for urgent attention from governments and civil society practitioners to address state-embedded criminality while building community resilience.

Expert Warning: A Global Concern

Experts are warning that the situation in Myanmar requires urgent attention from governments and civil society practitioners.

  • The country’s vulnerability to organized crime is highlighted by its score for resisting and withstanding crime.
  • Building community resilience is crucial to addressing state-embedded criminality and preventing further decline.