Financial Crime World

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Organized Crime in Syria: A Widespread Concern

The ongoing conflict in Syria has led to a significant rise in organized crime, with various groups involved in various forms of illicit activities. This report highlights the key points related to the prevalence and impact of organized crime in Syria.

Criminal Actors Involved in Organized Crime

  • State-Embedded Actors: The Syrian government’s involvement in organized crime is a significant concern.
  • Criminal Networks: Various networks, including those linked to the Ghaith Forces, Tiger Forces, Country Armor Forces, National Defence Forces, Sunni Islamist militant groups, and the Syrian National Army, are involved in organized crime.
  • Foreign Actors: The report also highlights the involvement of foreign actors, such as:
    • Russian Armed Forces
    • SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces)
    • Turkish militias loyal to Turkey
    • Lebanon’s Hezbollah

Economic and Financial Environment

The conflict has severely damaged the Syrian economy, leading to a black market for money exchange and transfers. Internationally imposed sanctions suggest complicity from the Syrian central bank in money-laundering schemes.

Civil Society and Social Protection

  • Limited Government Support: Efforts by the Syrian government to support victims and witnesses of organized crime are limited.
  • Rehabilitation Centers: There are only two state rehabilitation centers for drug users.
  • Vulnerability of Trafficking Victims: Trafficking victims continue to be vulnerable and may even face punishment for unlawful acts they were forced into committing.

Fragmentation and Weak Governance

Syria remains a fragmented country with weak governance structures. The government controls major cities but faces territorial integrity threats from opposition groups, jihadi factions, and the SDF, as well as foreign actors controlling large parts of the international land borders.