Tunisia’s White-Collar Crime Statistics Raise Concerns

Corruption Perception Index Highlights Struggle with Corruption

According to Transparency International’s 2022 Corruption Perception Index, Tunisia ranked a disappointing 75th out of 180 countries. This highlights the country’s struggle with corruption, particularly in public procurement, national resources, and public infrastructure.

Money Laundering and Fraud Concerns

The nation has become a significant transit point for smuggled capital and foreign currencies, especially from neighboring Libya and Algeria. The large informal economy, prevalence of hawala systems, and widespread use of fiat money in the Tunisian market heighten the risk of money laundering. Commercial fraud, including the trafficking of counterfeit goods, is also a major concern.

Cybersecurity Risks

Tunisia’s cybersecurity resilience leaves much to be desired. The 2022 National Cyber Security Index ranked Tunisia 83rd out of 160 countries surveyed. Cyberattacks in Tunisia often involve fraud and extortion attempts via ransomware, denial-of-service attacks, and social engineering/impersonations.

Terrorist Financing Concerns

Terrorist financing is another significant concern in Tunisia. Extremist groups are heavily involved in the smuggling of counterfeit goods across borders to sustain themselves financially. The country’s porous borders and geographical location make it an attractive hub for financial crime, especially into neighboring Libya and Algeria.

Ongoing Challenges

Despite some improvements in its anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) regime since the 2011 Revolution, Tunisia’s efforts are being undermined by ongoing economic crisis and political developments. The country’s AML/CFT regime is considered to be vulnerable to manipulation for political purposes.

Environmental Crime

Environmental crime is another issue plaguing Tunisia, including illegal logging, poaching, and trafficking of protected birds, such as the houbara bustard. Fuel smuggling is also a major concern.

Tax Crime and Financial Secrecy

Tax crime and financial secrecy remain endemic in Tunisia, with limited liability companies being used as shell companies for international illicit flows. The country’s National Register of Enterprises has improved beneficial ownership transparency, but more work needs to be done to address these issues.

Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking

Finally, modern slavery and human trafficking are significant concerns in Tunisia. Children face a high vulnerability to trafficking for sexual exploitation and forced labor. Foreign nationals, including women, are also exploited for forced labor and domestic work.

Conclusion

Tunisia’s white-collar crime statistics paint a worrying picture of corruption, fraud, and financial crime, highlighting the need for sustained efforts to combat these issues and strengthen institutional integrity.