Financial Crime World

Organized Crime in São Tomé and Príncipe: Vulnerabilities and Challenges

São Tomé and Príncipe, a small island nation located off the coast of West Africa, is vulnerable to various forms of organized crime. This report highlights the country’s vulnerabilities, challenges, and positive developments in addressing these issues.

Vulnerabilities to Organized Crime

Synthetic Drug Trafficking

São Tomé and Príncipe’s location and geographic characteristics make it a potential transit country for synthetic drug trafficking. The country lacks a regulatory framework and law enforcement capacity to counter cyber-dependent crimes, which mainly target private institutions such as banks and government authorities.

Financial Crimes

Financial crimes are prevalent in São Tomé and Príncipe, with corruption being a significant issue that can exacerbate vulnerabilities. Corruption is a considerable problem in the country, but it is being strongly fought, especially with the new president in office.

Maritime Piracy and Terrorism

The presence of possible terrorism resulting from maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea is another notable organized crime threat.

Challenges Facing São Tomé and Príncipe

  • Corruption: Corruption is a considerable problem in São Tomé and Príncipe, but it is being strongly fought.
  • Lack of Infrastructure and Resources: The judicial system suffers from budgetary and financial difficulties, a deficit of specialized, competent, and trained personnel, and lack of infrastructure.
  • Limited Capacity to Respond to Maritime Crime: São Tomé and Príncipe continues to be dependent on Portuguese and foreign vessels and warships to combat maritime crime due to its long coastline and vast maritime borders that are difficult to police and monitor.

Positive Developments

  • The government’s efforts to strengthen cooperation between entities with legislative, executive, and judicial responsibilities in the prevention and fight against corruption, money laundering, and organized crime.
  • São Tomé and Príncipe is a member of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa, a Financial Action Task Force-type regional body.

Conclusion

The report emphasizes the need for São Tomé and Príncipe to address its vulnerabilities to organized crime through strengthening its regulatory framework, improving law enforcement capacity, increasing transparency and accountability, and enhancing international cooperation.