Financial Crime World

Oman’s Struggle Against Organized Crime: Petty Corruption and Concentration of Power Hinder Efforts

Muscat, Oman - Despite its efforts to combat organized crime, Oman is grappling with petty corruption within law enforcement agencies and a concentration of power around the sultan that hinders transparency and openness.

Challenges in Combating Organized Crime

  • Corruption among law enforcement officers: According to sources, there have been instances of corruption among law enforcement officers, which has raised concerns about the effectiveness of measures against organized crime.
  • Concentration of power around the sultan: The country’s judicial system is perceived as impartial, but cases related to corruption involving the royal family are not accessible to the public. This raises concerns about the ability of the judiciary to effectively combat organized crime.
  • Ratification of international conventions: Oman has ratified several international conventions aimed at combating transnational organized crime and corruption, including the United Nations Convention on Transnational Organized Crime and the Palermo Protocols.
  • Comprehensive legal framework: The country has established a comprehensive legal framework to combat organized crime, with a penal code that criminalizes organized crime as an enterprise and various criminal activities.

Concerns about Tolerance of Illegal Activities

  • Iranian smuggling activities in Musandam province: Oman’s tolerance of Iranian smuggling activities in the Musandam province has raised questions about its involvement in the illegal trade of weapons and narcotics.
  • Smuggling activities at border with Yemen: The country’s border with Yemen is also a point of concern, with reports of smuggling activities and a lack of transparency in the penitentiary system.

Economic and Financial Environment

  • Concentration of power around the sultan: The concentration of power around the sultan has raised concerns about Oman’s economic and financial environment. The country relies heavily on migrant workers, but restrictive labor regulations and corruption in public procurement have hindered business operations.
  • Vulnerability of real estate sector to money laundering: Despite positive economic indicators, including projected growth and reduced fiscal deficit, the country is vulnerable to money laundering in its real estate sector.

Efforts to Combat Organized Crime

  • Awareness campaigns against money laundering and terrorist financing: Oman has implemented awareness campaigns to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.
  • Enhanced cybersecurity measures: The country has also taken steps to enhance cybersecurity and combat cyber-threats.

Challenges in Protecting Victims of Crime

  • Vulnerability of migrant workers: The controversial Kafala sponsorship system has posed significant risks to migrant workers, and the policy of “Omanization” has pushed many workers into the illicit market.
  • Restrictions on press freedom and self-identification by victims: The country’s civil society and social protection efforts are marred by restrictions on press freedom and self-identification by victims, leaving those without embassy representation lacking support.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Oman faces significant challenges in its fight against organized crime, including petty corruption within law enforcement agencies and a concentration of power around the sultan that hinders transparency and openness. The country must address these issues if it is to effectively combat organized crime and protect its citizens.