Oman’s Struggle Against Organized Crime Amidst Petty Corruption

Oman has been accused of turning a blind eye to Iranian attempts to smuggle weapons to Yemen, despite having ratified several international conventions aimed at combating organized crime. The country’s concentration of power around the Sultan presents significant challenges to transparency and openness.

Petty Corruption Hinders Effective Measures Against Organized Crime

• Petty corruption within law enforcement agencies hinders effective measures against organized crime.
• The government’s supreme audit institution fails to meet international standards of independence, as it does not audit the approved budget.
• There is limited disclosure of information regarding debt obligations, royal family budgets, and earnings of state-owned enterprises.

International Agreements and Efforts to Combat Crime

• Oman participates in various meetings aimed at strengthening cooperation and combating crime.
• The country has ratified several important agreements, including:
  • United Nations Convention on Transnational Organized Crime
  • Palermo Protocols

Despite these efforts, instances of corruption among law enforcement officers have been reported.

Judicial System and Human Rights Concerns

• The judicial system is generally perceived as impartial, although cases related to corruption, particularly those involving the royal family, are not accessible to the public.
• There is no apparent evidence of organized crime influencing the judicial process.
• The judiciary lacks independence, as it is subordinate to the Sultan who holds the authority to appoint and dismiss senior judges.

Prison System and Human Rights Concerns

• Reports of abuse and torture in prisons have surfaced, although specific data on the prison population remains unavailable due to a lack of transparency in the penitentiary system.
• The security and law enforcement apparatus demonstrate strong civilian control, but concerns persist regarding its border with Yemen and the smuggling activities in the Musandam province.

Economic Environment and Challenges

• The country’s economic environment is marked by:
  • Restrictive labour regulations
  • Corruption in public procurement
  • Potential illicit activities in the labour recruitment industry, which hinder business operations and put foreign and domestic workers at an economic disadvantage.
• Oman has displayed positive economic indicators, with projected growth and reduced fiscal deficit.

Assistance to Victims of Crime

• Efforts to assist victims of crime take the form of provision of shelters and anti-trafficking capabilities by the police.
• However, the controversial Kafala sponsorship system continues to pose significant risks to migrant workers.
• The reliance on self-identification by victims leaves those without embassy representation lacking support.

Civil Society Challenges

• The country’s civil society is marked by challenges, including:
  • Decline in press freedom
  • Prevalent self-censorship
  • Consequences for criticizing ruling authorities
• Journalists and activists have faced arrests and charges for various infractions, including claims of violating the country’s cybercrime laws.

Conclusion

Despite these challenges, Oman has taken steps to enhance cybersecurity and combat cyber-threats, and its territorial integrity is generally secure. The country’s economic stimulus programmes have supported sectors affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly small and medium businesses. As Oman continues to grapple with organized crime, petty corruption, and other challenges, it remains to be seen whether the government will take concrete steps to address these issues and improve transparency and openness in its governance.