Togo’s Links to Global Criminal Networks Exposed

A recent report has uncovered the shocking connections between Togo’s communities, smugglers, and criminal networks. The West African country has emerged as a key hub for illegal activities, including arms trafficking, wildlife poaching, drug smuggling, and money laundering.

Illegal Activities in Togo

• Many vessels sailing under the Togolese flag have been implicated in international arms trafficking.
• Criminal gangs operating in neighboring countries are exploiting the country’s porous borders to traffic illegal timber and wildlife products.
• Togo’s port city of Lomé has become a major transshipment point for drugs, including heroin and cocaine, with foreign nationals and high-level state officials allegedly involved in the trade.

Gold Smuggling and Corruption

• The country is a key player in the global gold smuggling market, with taxes on gold exports being negligible.
• Corruption is rampant in Togo, with some state actors suspected of having links to trafficking networks.

Challenges in Combating Organized Crime

• Despite efforts by the government to combat organized crime, the report notes that the political will and effective enforcement of existing laws remain major challenges.
• The country lacks specialized law enforcement units dedicated to combating organized crime.
• Its judicial system is plagued by corruption and inefficiency.

International Cooperation Needed

The report was funded in part by a grant from the United States Department of State and serves as a sobering reminder of the need for greater international cooperation to combat global criminal networks.