Financial Crime World

Organized Crime in Nauru: A Limited Landscape

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Background

The 2021 Global Report on Organised Crime by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) provides a comprehensive overview of Nauru’s organized crime landscape. Despite its small population, weak institutions, and vulnerability to foreign influence, corruption remains a significant problem in the country.

Key Findings

  • Lack of Specialized Units: Nauru lacks specific judicial units or law enforcement units that deal with organized crime, as it is almost non-existent on the island.
  • Police Force’s Role: The police force maintains internal security and, if necessary, external security. However, the country has no military force since defense is the responsibility of Australia under an informal agreement.
  • Cyber-Security Vulnerabilities: The Nauru Police Force has its own cyber-security division, but the country is vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
  • Anti-Money Laundering Efforts: The government has made significant progress in anti-money laundering efforts since 2004, but there are still concerns about lack of infrastructure and border control capacities.
  • Limited Investment Opportunities: Nauru is not a friendly country for investment due to weak institutions and a narrow economic base, making it vulnerable to criminality.
  • Absence of Organized Crime Prevention Strategies: There is no evidence of organized crime in the country, and the government has not implemented any prevention strategies related to it.
  • Refugee Concerns: Refugees living in the Regional Processing Centre for Australian asylum seekers face miserable living conditions and are vulnerable to violation and mistreatment.

Conclusion

Nauru’s organized crime landscape is extremely limited, with corruption remaining a problem due to its small population, weak political and economic environment, and vulnerability to foreign influence. The government’s efforts to tackle criminal activity are hindered by transparency and accountability issues, particularly in the concentration of media outlets in the hands of the state.