grey dynamics

COVID-19 & Illicit Drug Trade

October 22, 2020

Michael Ellmer

  Over the past seven months, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an international interruption of business affairs and industrial production. Global markets have had to endure disruption in supply chains and distribution lines resulting from shelter-in-place initiatives and work-force reduction.   Illicit drug markets have not been immune to the economic symptoms of the pandemic. For example, according to a recent report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), heroin production in Afghanistan has been affected…

The Expanding Tentacles of the CJNG

October 15, 2020

Iñigo Camilleri De Castanedo

  Why Does This Matter   Colombia’s cocaine industry is of crucial importance to the drug-trafficking industry. The pandemic created a criminal vacuum in Colombia which criminal actors took advantage of, including the Jalisco Cartel (CJNG). Although there was a presence in Colombia pre-pandemic, relationships and violence appear to be growing significantly:   The CJNG is highly likely dependent on Colombia to maintain the economic structure of the cartel. There is a lack of alternatives in coca-producing states. This and…

Nigeria: West Africa’s Hub for Child Harvesting

April 22, 2020

Ana-Maria Baloi

  Why Does This Matter   Human trafficking is widespread in West Africa, where children are bought from their families to work in plantations, mines and factories or as domestic help In the region, the biggest child harvesting networks are based in southern Nigeria. Despite frequent raids conducted by the local police, the threat persists Human trafficking is ranked the third most common crime in Nigeria, after financial fraud and drug trafficking. At least 10 children are sold every day…

Cyber Crime in East Africa

April 13, 2020

Eren Ersozoglu

On the African continent, East Africa has the fastest-growing economies in the region, as well as one of the fastest in the rest of the world. This has increased the digital infrastructure in the region, with the integration of fibre-optic cable, stronger satellite connections and faster broadband. The ICT sector has boomed as well as the number of people using the internet. This has unintentionally paved the way for cyber-crime to prey on the opportunities presented. These developments are analysed…

Transnational Organised Crime in East Africa: Growing Drug Trade Gateway into Europe

March 25, 2020

Eren Ersozoglu

    Transnational and even Transcontinental organised crime groups are hijacking the benefits of globalisation in East Africa. Traditional routes are being abandoned because of tightened border security. The new ‘southern route’ is a hub for heroin from Asia and cocaine from Latin America, destined for Europe, North America, and even South Africa.     United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) 2017 World Drug Report found that Tanzania and Kenya two of the most frequently mentioned transit countries…

Europe’s Cocaine, Africa’s Trouble

March 24, 2020

Ana-Maria Baloi

      Key Judgements   While networks operate across the entire West Africa, Guinea Bissau represents the regional hub and transit zone for drug exports shipped from Latin America to Europe. As part of this network, West Africa suffers the most.   There are currently 12 countries in Africa experiencing armed conflict which led to the displacement of 25 million people. They are particularly vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation. Most African victims are trafficked into forced labor, often in…