Financial Crime World

Nauru’s Efforts Against Organized Crime: A Review

Introduction

Located in the Pacific Ocean, Nauru is an island nation with a small population and isolated location. While it faces various challenges related to its criminal justice system and economic environment, there is no significant threat of organized crime on the island.

The Judicial System

Key Features of the Judicial System

  • The judicial system in Nauru consists of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, District Court, and Family Court.
  • There are no specific units dealing with organized crime as this issue does not exist on the island.

Law Enforcement

Police Force Capabilities

  • The police force is responsible for internal security, external security if necessary, laying charges against offenders, and has its own cyber-security division.
  • Despite these efforts, Nauru remains vulnerable to cyber-attacks due to lack of infrastructure and border control capacities.

International Cooperation

Dependence on International Assistance

  • Due to a lack of financing and qualified personnel on the island, law enforcement and planning depend heavily on international cooperation with other Pacific countries such as Australia and New Zealand.

Anti-Money Laundering Efforts

Progress and Challenges

  • Nauru has made significant progress in its anti-money laundering efforts since 2004.
  • However, there have been suspicions of money laundering practices by the government.

Economic Environment

Limited Investment Opportunities

  • The country’s narrow economic base, absence of financial institutions, and strict land tenure restrictions make it unattractive for investment and financial flows.
  • Despite this, the government has been suspected of financial mismanagement.

Civil Society and Social Protection

Lack of Support for Victims

  • There are no civil society actors focused on organized crime, nor any non-state actors providing support to victims.
  • Refugees living in the Regional Processing Centre face miserable living conditions and are vulnerable to violation and mistreatment.

Freedom of Expression

Restrictions on Journalists

  • Freedom of expression is guaranteed by the constitution but not always respected in practice.
  • Foreign journalists facing difficulties operating in Nauru due to government-imposed restrictions.