Financial Crime World

The Complex Situation of Organized Crime in Eritrea

Eritrea’s authoritarian government and lack of democratic institutions have created a complex environment for organized crime to thrive. Here are key points that highlight the situation:

Government Involvement and Lack of Transparency

  • The Eritrean government, led by President Isaias Afwerki, has been accused of engaging in organized criminal activities, including human trafficking and smuggling.
  • There is a lack of transparency regarding the economy and crime dynamics in Eritrea. The government does not publish reliable data, and external efforts to support domestic data gathering have been shunned.

International Relations and Treaties

  • Despite being party to several international treaties relevant to anti-organized crime, Eritrea’s relations with organizations such as the African Union, several UN agencies, the World Bank, and the IMF remain strained.

Criminal Justice System and Impunity

  • Eritrea has no independent judiciary, national assembly, or other democratic institutions. This has led to an environment where human rights violations and impunity persist.
  • There are no specialized units in the country aimed at countering organized crime.

Economic Environment and Money Laundering Risks

  • Eritrea is at a high risk of money laundering due to its cash-based economy, widespread use of informal money transfer systems, insufficient regulatory capacity, and growing corruption.
  • The state currency is not fully convertible, which opens up vulnerabilities to illicit financial services.

Civil Society and Victims’ Support

  • There is no evidence of government efforts to identify, protect, or support victims of trafficking.
  • National authorities have limited comprehension of the phenomenon, and there are no proactive victim identification mechanisms in place.

Freedom of Press and Civil Liberties

  • Eritrea has a clear dictatorship where the media have no rights.
  • In 2019, 16 journalists were reported imprisoned in the country.
  • Non-governmental organizations are not permitted to operate in Eritrea, and independent media outlets were closed down in 2001.