Financial Crime World

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Turkmenistan: A Regime of Nepotism and Corruption

ASHGABAT - Turkmenistan is a country where power is wielded by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who has total control over the economy, legal system, and law enforcement. The president’s grip on the government is so tight that nepotism is the primary means of ascending to positions of power, rather than democratic processes.

A Lack of Trust in Government

The public has little trust in the government, particularly in the public sector and construction industry. The 2018 election was a sham, with no real democratic process taking place. Information on government spending and budgets is not available to the public, further eroding trust.

  • Turkmenistan is isolated from the international community, with minimal cooperation with other Commonwealth of Independent States countries or beyond.
  • While it has ratified many treaties and conventions related to organized crime, its participation is limited, and implementation is often ineffective.

The Judiciary: A Tool of Oppression

In theory, Turkmenistan’s constitution separates powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. In practice, however, the judiciary is subservient to the executive and is used to punish dissent and remove potential political threats.

  • Judges are appointed and dismissed by the president.
  • Courts are unable to pass effective judgments against organized crime defendants or high-profile criminals.
  • The country’s prison system is overcrowded, with substandard conditions and inadequate medical care.
  • Torture and forced confessions are widespread, particularly during pre-trials.

Economic Environment: A Culture of Bribery and Embezzlement

President Berdimuhamedov has a small circle of patronage networks that control the economy and distribute wealth and business opportunities to his appointees. This has created a culture of bribery, nepotism, and embezzlement.

  • The government lacks adequate mechanisms to ensure businesses can operate free from criminal interference.
  • Property rights are ineffective.
  • Turkmenistan’s economic environment does not offer opportunities for legitimate businesses to expand, and corruption is rampant among business leaders and the government.

Civil Society and Social Protection: A Non-Existent Safety Net

While Turkmenistan has some national laws related to social protection, they are rarely implemented effectively. The government has failed to respond to human trafficking victims, leaving international non-state actors to provide treatment and care.

  • Independent groups face significant obstacles in carrying out human rights work in Turkmenistan.
  • The country’s press freedom environment is one of the most oppressive in the world, with the government having complete control over the media and heavily restricting internet access.
  • Journalists who report for foreign networks are subject to intimidation, arrest, and torture.