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Slovakia’s Environment: Challenges and Opportunities

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Organized Crime: A Complex Issue

Slovakia has a complex environment when it comes to organized crime. Here are some key points that highlight the challenges:

Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Risks

Low to medium risk: Slovakia’s risk level for money laundering and terrorist financing is considered low to medium.
Complex anti-money laundering legislature: The country’s anti-money laundering legislation is complex, but there are concerns about its implementation.

Corruption in Financial Institutions and Police

Corruption in financial institutions: There have been instances of corruption in financial institutions responsible for investigating financial crimes.
Lack of understanding among law enforcement: Private sector individuals and law enforcement agencies lack a clear understanding of money laundering, making it challenging to combat the issue.

Financial Environment: A Haven for Organized Crime

The financial environment in Slovakia is vulnerable to organized crime. Here are some key points:

VAT Fraud

Pervasive VAT fraud: VAT (Value-Added Tax) fraud is widespread in Slovakia, with both national and international organized crime groups involved.
Investments in various sectors: Mafia-style groups have invested in areas such as agriculture, restaurants, green energy, finance, education, and consulting to divert suspicion and as a front for illegal activity.

Civil society and social protection in Slovakia face several challenges. Here are some key points:

Victim Support

Weak implementation of victim support framework: There is a legal framework for victim support, but its implementation is weak.
Lack of specialists: There is a general lack of specialists trained in the psychosocial support of victims.

Treatment of Victims

Victims treated as perpetrators: Victims are often treated as perpetrators, especially in cases of human smuggling and trafficking.
Government initiatives for victims of human trafficking: The government has created a special centre for victims of human trafficking and continues to launch new projects to assist.

Prevention and Awareness: A Need for Systematic Approach

Slovakia lacks a systematic approach to preventing organized crime. Here are some key points:

Isolated Campaigns

No systematic approach: Slovakia does not have a systematic approach to prevent organized crime, but isolated campaigns have been run by various state and non-state actors.
Government anti-trafficking measures: Government anti-trafficking measures include extensive prevention and awareness campaigns that sometimes portray trafficking in a sensationalized manner.

Role of Non-State Actors

Important role of non-state actors: Non-state actors play an important role in exposing crime in Slovakia, providing individualized plans for victims of human trafficking, and identifying victims during interviews and consultations with vulnerable people.

Overall, the report highlights the need for improvement in various areas related to organized crime, financial activities, civil society, and social protection in Slovakia.