Financial Crime World

Myanmar’s Criminal Zones: A Growing Threat to Global Security

Subtitle: International Media and Law Enforcement Wake Up to Post-COVID Transnational Crime Trend in Myanmar

Myanmar, a Southeast Asian nation known for its political instability and human rights issues, has recently emerged as a hotbed for transnational crime, according to international media and law enforcement sources. The post-COVID era has seen the proliferation of criminally run zones in Myanmar and across the region, leading to an alarming increase in human trafficking for labor.

threat-to-global-security-experts-warn-about-myanmar

  • Priscilla A. Clapp and Jason Tower, in a recent analysis published by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), warn that these lawless enclaves pose a significant threat not only to Myanmar’s fragile security landscape but also to the global community.
  • The USIP report, titled “Myanmar’s Criminal Zones: A Growing Threat to Global Security,” suggests that the roots of this issue can be traced back to the weakened state of law enforcement and the porous borders of Myanmar.

human-trafficking-labor

  • One of the primary concerns is the rise of human trafficking for labor in these ungoverned areas.
  • Trafficking victims are often exploited for their cheap labor and forced to work in industries such as logging, agriculture, and mining.
  • The International Labour Organization (ILO) has estimated that there are over 21 million victims of forced labor globally, and Myanmar ranks high on the list of origin, transit, and destination countries for forced labor.

criminal-activities

  • These criminal zones are not only destinations for trafficking but also hubs for other criminal activities such as drug production, arms smuggling, and money laundering.
  • The proliferation of these illicit economies further undermines Myanmar’s political and economic stability and impedes global progress in combating human trafficking and organized crime.

recommendations

  • The USIP report suggests several recommendations for addressing this issue, including:
    • Strengthening law enforcement capacity
    • Addressing the root causes of forced labor
    • Increasing international cooperation
    • Supporting civil society organizations
    • Engaging with local communities to foster a culture of transparency and accountability

conclusion

As Myanmar’s criminal zones continue to expand and evolve, the international community must take proactive measures to tackle the issue and prevent the perpetuation of human suffering and destabilization.

about-the-authors

  • Priscilla A. Clapp is a Senior Policy Analyst at the United States Institute of Peace, focusing on global security challenges and conflict prevention. She has extensive experience in researching and analyzing political and security issues in Southeast Asia, particularly Myanmar.
  • Jason Tower is a Senior Advisor for Southeast Asia Affairs at the National Security Council, where he advises on policy related to Southeast Asia and transnational security issues. He previously served as director for Southeast Asia at the National Security Council and has extensive experience in US diplomacy and military intelligence.

about-usip

The United States Institute of Peace is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization established and funded by Congress. Its mission is to help prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflicts around the world, to build peace, and to achieve a more secure world. For more information, visit usip.org.