Organized Crime Situation in São Tomé and Príncipe

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Overview of Organized Crime Threats

São Tomé and Príncipe faces threats from various forms of organized crime, including:

Drug Trafficking: The country is vulnerable to external threats due to its geographical location.
Cyber Crimes: With the increasing use of technology, cyber crimes are becoming a significant threat.
Financial Crimes (including Corruption): Corruption within the state, particularly in the judiciary, is a significant issue that could exacerbate vulnerabilities.
Terrorism: Although there’s no evidence of terrorist activities, the country remains vulnerable due to its proximity to other regions with terrorist groups.
Petty Crime: Local gangs are primarily involved in petty crime.

Criminal Actors and Their Involvement

Corruption within the State: Corruption within the state, particularly in the judiciary, is a significant issue that could exacerbate vulnerabilities.
Foreign Criminal Actors: Foreign criminal actors manage drug trafficking through the islands.
Local Gangs: Local gangs are primarily involved in petty crime.

Leadership and Governance

São Tomé and Príncipe has a democratic system with efforts to combat organized crime, but corruption remains a problem. The government has made attempts to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms, including investigations into corruption allegations against former officials.

Challenges in Criminal Justice and Security

Judicial Influence: The judiciary is subject to political influence.
Equipment Shortages and Qualified Personnel: Law enforcement faces challenges due to equipment shortages and qualified personnel.
Specialized Units: Despite some specialized judicial units, the judiciary lacks necessary resources.

Economic and Financial Environment

While there’s little evidence of large-scale illicit financial activity like money laundering, São Tomé and Príncipe does not meet global standards in its Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism protocol. Regulatory processes lack capacity to respond to risks and enforce financial regulations.

Lack of Assistance Programs: There are no established assistance programs for victims of organized crime.
Government Initiatives: Government initiatives exist, but they are limited.
Non-Governmental Sector: The non-governmental sector is small due to funding constraints, but freedom of the press is generally respected.

This report highlights several challenges faced by São Tomé and Principe in addressing organized crime, including corruption within its institutions, lack of capacity in law enforcement, regulatory shortcomings on money laundering and terrorist financing risks, and a fragile economy that makes it vulnerable to external shocks.