Africa and the Global Illicit Economy

Season 2! Underworlds with Mark Shaw - Underworlds with Mark Shaw

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Underworlds with Mark Shaw is returning for another season.

Mark sits down with authors to discuss their investigations into the murky world of organized crime.

In season two, we hear about a range of stories such as money laundering and cryptocurrency; the 'Ndrangheta's expansion from Calabria, Italy to other countries of Europe.

Also the story of a leading South African police officer, who was tasked with investigating the Italian mafia in South Africa by Nelson Mandela.

A fascinating story about one of the largest frauds in the history of the maritime industry. The growth and evolution of ransomware market, and finally a history of modern Russia told through the stories of four very different criminals.

The series is hosted by Mark Shaw, the Director of the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. Mark is also an author of a number of books on organized crime in South Africa.

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TRAILER: Underworlds with Mark Shaw - Underworlds with Mark Shaw

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0100

Welcome to Underworlds with Mark Shaw.

Organized Crime is everywhere, hidden in plain sight. The stories from this world have been mythologised by Hollywood. But the reality can be even stranger and more exciting than fiction.

From the golden age of the American mafia (La Cosa Nostra), to the modern-day cocaine empires, and from the shadowy links between organized crime and terrorism, to the twilight of the Yakuza.

In this series Mark Shaw, the Director of the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime delves into non-fiction books about organized crime and the illicit economy with the authors themselves. He asks questions about their background and investigations, but also the challenges associated in writing about this murky world.

Organized Crime Risk in South Africa

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Organized crime in South Africa threatens the economy, its people and the democratic institutions themselves.

Every day we see a number of different and seemingly unconnected criminal incidents taking place - from assassinations to gang rapes in an illegal mining community; and from the violence of the taxi industry to organized cooper theft.

But what lies behind all of these actions is a dark web, a criminal ecosystem driven by an increasingly violent South African underworld.

In this episode Steph Musho talks to Julian Rademeyer, the Director of the East and Southern African Observatory at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime about a new and substantial report called 'Assessing South Africa's organized crime risk'.

The Gangs of Grassy Park

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +0100

The Cape Flats in South Africa is made up of 20 suburbs make up the Cape Flats; populated predominantly by black and coloured communities, a term used to describe those of mixed-heritage. Each suburb is marked by poverty, crime, drug abuse, gangsterism and violence.

In this, Lindy Mtongana's final episode, she looks at the Grassy Park where a slew of recent killings has exposed the devastating consequences of territorial battles among the Cape’s most dangerous gangs.

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

Guests:

Julia Stanyard, Senior Analyst, Observatory for East and Southern Africa, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.

Lyndsay Connelly, a community organiser in Grassy Park.

Additional Links:

Civil Society Observatory of Illicit Economies in Eastern and Southern Africa - Risk Bulletin - Issue 25

The Global Organized Crime Index - South Africa

Global Assassination Monitor

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

Political Assassinations in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 05:00:00 +0100

In this episode Lindy delves into the murky world of political assassinations in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Where, according to the GI-TOC's assassination monitor data, for three of the last six years, political assassinations were higher than all other South African provinces combined.

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

Speaker(s):

Greg Arde, Journalist and Author of War Party: How the ANC’s political killings are breaking South Africa

Chwayita Thobela, Analyst, Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime

Thapelo Mohale, a shack dweller, and the secretary general of Abahlali baseMjondolo.

Additional Reading:

Eastern and Southern Africa Observatory - Risk Bulletin

The rule of the gun: Hits and assassinations in South Africa, 2000-2017

Give Us More Guns: How South Africa’s gangs were armed

Gun licenses for sale: South Africa's failing firearms control

Murder by Contract: Targeted killings in eastern and southern Africa

The Global Organized Crime Index - South Africa Profile

Global Assassination Monitor

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

Cattle Rustling in Mali

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode Lindy explores the world of cattle rustling in Mali, an act that has existed for centuries. But cattle rustling has evolved into a highly organized form of criminality involving Islamists and bandits, forcing farmers to arm themselves to protect themselves and their herds.

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

Speaker: Deo Gumba, Civil Society Coordinator for the West Africa Observatory, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

Additional Reading:

West Africa and the Sahel Observatory - Risk Bulletin

West Africa and the Sahel Observatory

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

Drugs and Development Hub Regional Conversation

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Mon, 30 May 2022 09:30:00 +0100

The Drugs and Development Hub is an initiative that brings together researchers, academics, policymakers and people affected by drug economies to discuss new approaches to drug policy. The ultimate goal is to shift mindsets towards more socially conscious and public-health oriented approach.

This is the second episode covering the DDH. In this podcast Lindy sits down with a range of regional experts to discuss the issues.

Drugs and Development Hub Twitter

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

Speakers:

Deborah Alimi, Independent Researcher on Drug Policy at Sorbonne University;

Chinwike Okerere, the Founder and CEO of the African Law Foundation in Nigeria

Maria-Goretti Ane, International Drug Policy Consortium in Accra, Ghana.

Monique Marks, the Head of the Urban Futures Centre at the Durban University of Technology, South Africa.

Additional Reading:

A Synthetic Age: The Evolution of Methamphetamine Markets in Eastern and Southern Africa

Drug markets in eastern and southern Africa: An overview of the current illicit drug economies and recent developments, drawing from the Global Initiative's ongoing studies in the country.

A Shallow Flood: The Diffusion of Heroin in Eastern and Southern Africa

A rising tide: Trends in production, trafficking and consumption of drugs in North Africa

West Africa's Cocaine Corridor: Building a subregional response

Global Organized Crime Index

The "Young Tycoon" and Fake Gold Scams in East Africa

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Tue, 17 May 2022 12:30:00 +0100

In this episode, Lindy explores the case of Lual Lawrence Malong Yor, a South Sudanese businessman with a compulsion for flamboyant self promotion. But last year he was jailed in Uganda for masterminding a million-dollar fake gold scam. The Malong case is emblematic of a prolific problem in East Africa's gold Market. At the heart of these scams are criminal networks operating in Nairobi and Kampala, with connections in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

Speaker: Julius Kaka, Field Network Coordinator for East and Southern Africa, Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime

Additional Reading:

Civil Society Observatory of Illicit Economies in Eastern and Southern Africa - Risk Bulletin - Issue 24

Sudans Post - ‘Young Tycoon’ Lawrence Lual Malong sentenced to 6 years in jail over $1m gold scam

(GITOC Paper) Illicit gold markets in East and Southern Africa

Illicit Markets and Insurgency in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 12:00:00 +0100

The attack on Palma last year made international headlines but for five years, Mozambique has been the site of a violent insurgency. The armed jihadist group, Ansar Al-Sunna, has terrorised communities in the northern province of Cabo Delgado. It’s believed that more than 3000 people have been killed, and over 700,000 displaced.

Despite international recognition and a regional military response, the insurgency remains. In this episode of Africa and the Global Illicit Economy we explore the origins and drivers of the insurgency, whether there are links to the various illicit economies in northern Mozambique, and its security implications for the region.

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

Speaker: Julia Stanyard, Senior Analyst, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

Additional Reading:

Civil Society Observatory of Illicit Economies in Eastern and Southern Africa - Risk Bulletin - Issue 24

Cabo Delgado: Africa's Forgotten Insurgency - Africa and the Global Illicit Economy

Insurgency and Illicit trade in Northern Mozambique - Deep Dive: Exploring Organized Crime

Scratching the surface: Tracing coloured gemstone flows from Mozambique and Malawi to Asia

Crime, conflict and corruption: Nampula as a smuggling hub

Abalone: The Trafficked South African Sea Snail

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0100

Abalone is a fairly innocuous little creature that fits in the palm of your hand. It's a type of sea snail found off the coast of South Africa, and abalone is also considered a delicacy in Asia.

It's been driven to near-extinction by massive levels of poaching, in a transnational criminal network that sees local, regional and international players compete for profits.

In this episode, Lindy speaks to Simon Haysom about a new report from the Global Initiative called Disrupting Abalone Harms: Illicit flows of H. midae from South Africa to East Asia.

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

Speaker: Simone Haysom, Senior Analyst and Thematic Lead on Environmental Crime at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.

Additional Links:

Paper - Disrupting Abalone Harms: Illicit flows of H. midae from South Africa to East Asia.

Civil Society Observatory of Illicit Economies in Eastern and Southern Africa

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.

Africa Index on Organized Crime

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 06:00:00 +0100

At the end of November 2021, the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime alongside the International Institute for Strategic Studies released the Africa Organized Crime Index 2021 – which provides a picture of criminality and resilience of every country in Africa. The aim is to guide African policymaking and to stimulate debate on one of the greatest threats to the security and development of the continent – organized crime.

Lindy sits down with Laura Adal (GITOC) and Martin Ewi (ISS) to discuss this collaborative work.

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

Speakers:

Martin Ewi, Institute for Security Studies

Laura Adal, Senior Analyst, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

Additional Links:

(Paper) How has organised crime in Africa changed since 2019?

(Index Website) ENACT Organised Crime Index (Africa 2021)

(Global Index Website) Global Organized Crime Index

Cheetahs

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 12:00:00 +0100

The Cheetah – the fastest land animal in the world. This big cat once ranged across most of Africa and into Asia – today there are thought to be only 7,000 still living in the wild. The Cheetah is a protected species and is endangered, but there are a few countries that allow their legal export. But irregularities within the trade system means that abuse is significant – cheetah being taken from the wild and essentially laundered through legal captive breeding facilities.

This podcast is based on the report Live cheetahs.

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

Speaker:

Patricia Tricorache - Wildlife Trafficking Research Associate at Colorado State University

Reading:

Live Cheetahs, Black Market Brief

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

The Kuluna Gangs of Kinshasa

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 14:00:00 +0100

"Joining Kuluna gangs is an expression of anger, injustice and frustration - to enact revenge on society"

Kinshasa, a megacity in Central Africa and the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The majority of the 12-million city population are under 25, but rapid urbanisation, a lack of employment opportunities, violence and poverty has seen many of these young people joining street gangs known as Kulunas.

In this episode we look at who the Kuluna are; what role they play in their communities and society; the vulnerability of women; the specific Kuluna culture that has developed; the violence that is at the heart of their operations; and their relationship to politics and law enforcement.

This podcast is based on the paper Criminals or Vigilantes? Kuluna Gangs of the Democratic Republic of Congo by Thierry Vircoulon and Marc-André Lagrange.

Presenter

Lindy Mtongana

Speakers

Thierry Vircoulon, Coordinator of the Observatory for Central and Southern Africa, and the French Institute for International Affairs

Marc-André Lagrange, Senior researcher on conflict, humanitarian and security issues in central Africa

Rigobert Minani, Head of the Research and Socio-Political Department, Centre d’Etudes pour l’Action Sociale

Rose Mutshanga, President of SYEFES, the synergy of women from civil society in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

How to Silence the Guns: Southern Africa’s illegal firearms markets

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 12:00:00 +0100

For decades the illegal firearms market in the Southern African counties was driven by regional conflicts, many of those firearms likely ended up in the hands of criminal groups. But today, we are seeing a much more worrying trend - newer weapons entering the market, some through cross-border trafficking, but more are being sourced domestically. And according to a new research paper from the GI, in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa, a significant number of those firearms are coming from state actors.

Guest: Jenni Irish-Qhobosheane, Senior Analyst, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

Paper: How to Silence the Guns: Southern Africa’s illegal firearms markets

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

(Book) Give Us More Guns, Mark Shaw

For other podcasts, videos and research about organized crime head over to the website.

Fishy Business

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 15:30:00 +0100

This is a story of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, complex corporate structures, human trafficking, arms smuggling, corruption and the capture of state institutions.

In this collaborative episode with Deep Dive: Exploring Organized Crime, we travel to the rich fishing grounds off Puntland in Somalia and a fleet of vessels known as the "Somali 7", before looking into a politically connected company that has an uncanny ability to operate either outside or just on the fringes of the law.

This podcast is based on the report Fishy Business: Illegal Fishing in Somalia and the capture of state institutions.

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

Speakers:

Jay Bahadur, Researcher and Investigator at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.

Dr. Katharine Petrich, visiting assistant professor incoming at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, California

Ian Urbina, Investigative Journalist and author of The Outlaw Ocean.

Austin Brush, Senior Analyst at C4ADS

Additional Reading

Jay Bahadur, GITOC - Fishy Business: Illegal Fishing in Somalia and the capture of state institutions

Ian Urbina - The Outlaw Ocean.

The Death of Déby

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 16:30:00 +0100

On the 20th April 2021, Idriss Déby Itno, the President of Chad for three decades died from wounds he reportedly suffered on the frontline against rebel fighters. His death could leave a power vacuum in a region that is already rife with instability, fuelling more uncertainty, violence, geopolitical posturing, and criminal opportunity in the Sahel.

Chad is a major hub for trafficking activities including drugs, people, gold and vehicles. The porous borders at the extremities contain mercenary groups and bandits, many situated around the vast artisanal gold mines in the north. The death of Déby will reshape the illicit economies not only in Chad, but the entire region.

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

Speakers:

Dr Remadji Hoinathy, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Security Studies, where he covers West Africa, the Sahel, and the Lake Chad Basin

Jerome Tubiana, Independent Researcher, specialising in Chad, Sudan and Libya.

Emad Badi, Senior Analyst at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

Alice Fereday, Senior Analyst at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

Alexandre Bish, Senior Analyst at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

Reading:

Déby’s death will fuel instability and criminal opportunity in the Sahel (GITOC, Alexandre Bish)

After the storm: Organized crime across the Sahel-Sahara following upheaval in Libya and Mali (GITOC)

Democracy in Chad takes a back seat to military might (ISS Africa, Dr Remadji Hoinathy)

Who are Chad’s FACT rebels and what are their goals? (Al Jazeera)

Links:

North Africa and the Sahel Observatory (NAS-Obs)

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

Producer: Jack Meegan-Vickers

Introducing: Too Many Enemies

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Tue, 25 May 2021 04:00:00 +0100

We would like to introduce the Africa and the Global Illicit Economy audience to a new podcast series that has been launched by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.

It's called ‘Too Many Enemies’ – and the series looks at the assassination crisis in South Africa through the lens of a very specific case.

In a brilliant bit of storytelling, this podcast is presented by Paul McNally and produced for the GI by Volume.

It is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, News24, or wherever you get your podcasts. For six weeks a new episode will be released every Thursday.

Enjoy!

Reading

The Rule of the Gun: Hits and assassinations in South Africa, 2000-2017

Assassination Witness Project

Cabo Delgado: Africa’s Forgotten Insurgency

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 15:30:00 +0100

On March 24th 2021, Islamist insurgents carried out an attack on the coastal town of Palma in the northern Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado. The days of fighting, looting, massacres, private military contractors, and dramatic rescues led to thousands more people fleeing to escape the violence.

The attack took place just a few kilometres from Total’s $20 billion-dollar natural gas project on the Afungi peninsula and in the same province as the huge ruby fields of Montepuez.

Last year the Global Initiative asked how this ongoing insurgency is impacting the illicit flows that travel through the region – after the attack at Palma, we have decided to revisit this subject.

This is a collaborative episode between Africa and the Global Illicit Economy and Deep Dive: Exploring Organized Crime.

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

Speakers:

Prof. Adriano Nuvunga – Director of the CDD Mozambique

Zenaida Machado – Senior Researcher, Human Rights Watch

Alastair Nelson – Senior Fellow, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

Johann Smith – Independent Security Analyst in Mozambique

Colonel Lionel Dyck – CEO of the of Dyck Advisory Group (DAG)

Reading:

Observatory of Illicit Economies in Eastern and Southern Africa – Risk Bulletin Issue. 17

A Triangle of Vulnerability: Changing patterns of illicit trafficking off the Swahili coast

Podcast: Deep Dive: Exploring Organized Crime – Insurgency and illicit trade in Northern Mozambique

'Criminals and Terrorists': Framing Mozambique's Insurgency - OCCRP

Hundreds Missing After Mozambique Attack: Government Should Provide More Information About Situation in Palma

Amnesty International: Mozambique: Civilians killed as war crimes committed by armed group, government forces, and private military contractors.

Producer: Jack Meegan-Vickers

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

The Evolution of Meth Markets in Eastern and Southern Africa

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 12:00:00 +0100

With the release of the new report: A Synthetic Age: The Evolution of Methamphetamine Markets in Eastern and Southern Africa - How do GI analysts research drugs?

And what happens when, despite the best efforts, prosecution of illicit actors fails?

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

Guests:

Jason Eligh, Senior Expert at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.

Alastair Nelson, Senior Fellow at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.

Shamini Jayanathan, Senior Prosecution Advisor for the UNODC.

Additional Links:

A Synthetic Age: The Evolution of Methamphetamine Markets in Eastern and Southern Africa

Civil Society Observatory of Illicit Economies in Eastern and Southern Africa: Risk Bulletin - Issue 16

The Ivory Game, Netflix

The Future of Libya Under Dabaiba

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 14:45:00 +0100

Who is Abdul Hamid al-Dabaiba (Dbeibah), Libya’s transitional prime minister?

In this episode, we discuss political alliances, crime governance and the changing dynamics of Libya’s illicit economy under Dabaiba and the Government of National Unity (GNU).

Emadeddin Badi, Senior Analyst, Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime

Rebecca Murray, Senior Analyst, Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime

Jalel Harchaoui, Senior Fellow, Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime

Meth and Guns in South Africa, and Crime at Nairobi’s Dandora Dumpsite

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 16:00:00 +0100

In South Africa, methamphetamine usage and the networks that support them are at all all-time high. And the assassination of a South African police detective highlights the channels by which illegal weapons and firearm licenses are sold to criminals.

And, new research from the Global Initiative reveals a tight-knit relationship between criminals and corrupt figures in Nairobi’s only dumpsite.

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

Speakers:

Jason Eligh, Senior Expert, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

Jenni Irish-Qhobosheane, Researcher, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

Brian ‘Alaman’ James Omondi, Administrator of the Dandora Community Justice Center and head of their Life and Dignity Campaign.

Producer: Alexandria Sahai-Williams

Reading

Civil Society Observatory of Illicit Economies in Eastern and Southern Africa

Risk Bulletin - Issue 15

Gun licenses for sale - South Africa's failing firearms control

For other podcasts from the GI click here.

Tunisia: Political Unrest and the Illicit Economy

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0100

A decade after the 2011 revolution that led to the end of long-time dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali’s rule, unrest continues in Tunisia. In January citizens took to the streets to protest state repression, corruption, and poverty.

How has endemic corruption and uncertainty since 2011 contributed to Tunisia’s current environment? How will the country’s flailing economy impact irregular migration in the year to come?

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

Guests:

Hiba Tlili, interpreter, researcher and social activist.

Matt Herbert, Research Manager for the North Africa and Sahel Observatory of the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.

Dr. Dalia Ghanem - Algerian Political scientist and Resident scholar at the Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center.

Reading:

North African & the Sahel Observatory (NAS-Obs)

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

Producer: Alexandria Sahai Williams

Violence in Nelson Mandela Bay, Ernie Solomon’s Assassination and Illicit Mining in Zimbabwe

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 12:00:00 +0100

The end of 2020 gave way to monumental shifts in the landscape of illicit crime in Southern Africa. This week we discuss how violence in Nelson Mandela Bay, illicit gold mining in Zimbabwe, and the assassination of gangster Ernie Solomon are setting the stage for illicit crime in Southern Africa for the coming year.

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

Speakers:

Rukshana Parker, Analyst at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.

Marcena Hunter, Senior Analyst at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

Mandy Wiener, Journalist, Broadcaster and Author

Producer: Alexandria Sahai-Williams

Reading

Civil Society Observatory of Illicit Economies in Eastern and Southern Africa

Risk Bulletin - Issue 14

Hit on a hitman – how the Ernest Solomon murder may affect two ‘unsolved’ underworld killings

Zimbabwe: Losing millions from illicit gold mining trade

For other podcasts from the GI click here.

Shifting dynamics: Migration Trends Across the Mediterranean

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 12:00:00 +0100

Since the 2015 migrant crisis, restrictive measures, tougher policy interventions, and heightened securitization have become the hallmarks of border controls along the Mediterranean. Although it appears that these policy measures have had the desired effect, GI research reveals shifting dynamics and an interplay of cause and effect. In this episode, we investigate these dynamics and discuss them in the context of migrant pushbacks.

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

Speakers:

Ali Zoubeidi, PhD in Public Law and Specialist in the Smuggling of Migrants in Morocco

Arezo Malakooti, Senior Fellow, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

Katharina Natter, Assistant Professor at the Institute of Political Science of Leiden University.

Producer: Alexandria Sahai-Williams

Reading

Migration Trends Across the Mediterranean: Piecing Together the Shifting Dynamics

For other podcasts from the GI click here.

Political Elites and Gangs in Kenya

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 12:00:00 +0100

Recent research from the GI in “The Politics of Crime: Kenya’s Gang Phenomenon” uncovers the collusion between political elites and gangs in Kenya. This week’s episode places findings from this research in the context of unequal access to resources, extrajudicial killings, rapidly urbanizing spaces, and Kenya’s 2022 election.

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

Speakers:

Simone Haysom, Senior Analyst, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

Ken Opala, Senior Fellow, Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime

Wangui Kimari, Urban Anthropologist and the Participatory Action Research Co-ordinator for Mathare Social Justice Center.

Producer: Alexandria Sahai-Williams

Reading

The Politics of Crime: Kenya's gang phenomenon

Mobile Money - Inside Kenya's Matatu Gangs (Full Documentary)

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

Changing Trafficking Dynamics in North Africa and the Sahel

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 12:00:00 +0100

This week we examine the effect that punitive policy measures and stricter border security enacted by North African nations in the past 5 years have had on human trafficking in the region.

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

Speakers:

Alexandre Bish, Senior Analyst at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.

Arezo Malakooti, Senior Fellow, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

Leïla Beratto, Journalist and who, in collaboration with the photographer Bachir, launched the project “Terminus Algérie” aimed at documenting migration in Algeria.

Producer: Alexandria Sahai-Williams

Reading

The intersection of irregular migration and trafficking in West Africa and the Sahel

Trafficking in Persons Report 2020: Algeria

Afghan Meth and Illicit Gold Mining

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 12:00:00 +0100

This week we discuss how illicit heroin shipments discovered in East and Southern Africa have links to growing possible links to Afghan methamphetamine markets, and the difficulties of tackling a surge in illegal gold mining amid deteriorating law-enforcement capacity, endemic corruption and community support for illegal miners in South Africa.

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

Speakers

Ed Stoddard, freelance journalist

Jason Eligh, Senior Expert, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

Kgothatso Nhlengetwa, Founding director of Imbogodo Mining Services

Producer: Alexandria Sahai-Williams

Additional Reading

ESA Risk Bulletin 12

https://theconversation.com/why-it-doesnt-make-sense-that-all-informal-mining-is-deemed-illegal-57237

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2019/apr/09/you-often-get-sick-deadly-toll-illegal-gold-mining-south-africa-durban-deep

https://www.africanmining.co.za/2019/04/18/small-scale-mining-opportunities-and-challenges/

https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/usappblog/2019/09/30/long-read-the-unknown-unknowns-of-afghanistans-new-wave-of-methamphetamine-production/

Security Sector Reform and Organized Crime in Libya

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 14:00:00 +0100

This week, we’re in Libya where we’ll dive into the challenges of conducting security sector reform in an environment where organized crime is embedded into formal and informal power structures.

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

Speakers:

Jalel Harchaoui, Research Fellow at the Clingendaely Institute in the Netherlands.

Emadeddin Badi, Senior Analyst at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.

Reading

ISS Today: Reform of Libya’s security sector must not fail again.

POLICY BRIEF: Less than the sum of its parts Europe’s fixation with Libyan border security, Matt Herbert

Clingendael REPORT, Security Sector Stabilisation and Development in Libya

Police Assassinations in South Africa & Cheetah Smuggling in Somaliland

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 16:00:00 +0100

In this week’s episode we discuss the recent assisnation of Lieutenant-Colonel Charl Kinnear, a top-detective with the Western Cape Anti-Gang unit and corruption in South Africa’s police force. In Somaliland we’ll investigate how cheetah smuggling is decimating populations and what’s being done to stop it.

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

Speakers:

Julian Rademeyer, Director of the Civil Society Observatory of Illicit Economies in Southern Africa at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.

Patricia Tricorache, Independent illegal wildlife trade expert.

Reading

Latest Risk Bulletin 12 (Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime)

Police Assassinations (ISS Africa)

Cheetah Smuggling (National Geographic)

Producer: Alexandria Sahai-Williams

Three Men, a Boat and US Sanctions

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 17:00:00 +0100

On the 6th August 2020, the United States imposed sanctions on three men and a boat. The men were Libyan nationals, and the boat an asset of a Maltese company. What connects them all is a criminal network involving the sale of oil and drugs from Libya, across the central Meditarranean and into Europe.

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

Speakers:

Mark Micallef, Director of the North Africa and Sahel Observatory at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime.

Lorenzo Bagnoli, an investigative reporter with the Investigative Reporting Project Italy (IRPI) and a member of the GI network of experts.

Fatjona Mejdini, the field network coordinator for the Balkans at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

Producer: Alexandria Sahai-Williams

How have Gangs in South Africa and Kenya used COVID 19 to recruit children?

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 18:00:00 +0100

While international media reported a decrease in gang activity during COVID19 lockdowns in Kenya and South Africa, GI research has uncovered that they have simply shifted strategy. This week’s episode covers a special report on how gangs are recruiting out of school youth in growing numbers and how they are used for illicit activities.

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

Speakers

Julia Stanyard, Analyst, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

Joyce Kimani, Observatory Coordinator for East and Horn of Africa, Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime

Rukshana Parker, Analyst, Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime

Reading: Risk Bulletin 11

Additional Links

Cape Town gangs help feed poor devastated by lockdown

South Africa’s strict pandemic response could give criminal gangs an unexpected boost

How school closures during COVID-19 further marginalize vulnerable children in Kenya

Producer: Alexandria Sahai-Williams

Corruption and a coup in Mali

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 12:00:00 +0100

In this week’s episode of Africa and the Global Illicit Economy, we uncover how unchecked corruption and illicit industries fuelled the discontent that led to Mali’s recent coup.

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

Speakers:

Dr Bréma Ely Dicko - Malian sociologist and anthropologist, former head of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Human Sciences of Bamako

Peter Tinti - Journalist & Senior Research Fellow, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

Philip Obaji Jr - Journalist, activist, and founder of 1 GAME: Football without Violence initiative.

Producer: Alexandria Sahai-Williams

Background

Q&A: The military coup in Mali

BBC: Mali coup: Thousands take to Bamako streets to celebrate

Arms Trafficking, Kidnappings and Donkey Skins

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 12:00:00 +0100

In this week’s episode of Africa and the Global Illicit Economy, we take a look at current trends in organised crime in East and Southern Africa --- From the illicit smuggling of arms and ammunition from Yemen to Somalia; the worrying rise of high-profile kidnappings in Mozambique; and the possible emergence of an organised illicit trade in donkey skins from Kenya.

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

Speakers

Estacio Valoi - Investigative journalist based in Mozambique.

Samantha Opere - Samantha Opere is a Veterinary Surgeon and Project Manager at Kenya Network for Dissemination of Agricultural Technologies.

Jay Bahadur - author of The Pirates of Somalia and guest editor of the Global Initiative's East and Southern Africa Risk Bulletin.

ESAOBS Risk Bulletin

Producer: Alexandria Sahai-Williams

Social Media and Irregular Migration from Maghreb

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 18:00:00 +0100

In this episode we explore push factors for surging levels of migration from the Maghreb in early 2020, and how Moroccan social media star, who goes by the name Zizou Vlogs, is lending a new voice to the changing face of irregular migration.

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

Guests:

Matt Herbert, Senior Analyst with the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

Amine Ghoulidi, King's College London

Producer: Alexandria Sahai-Williams

Reading material

Wired - On YouTube, vloggers are teaching people how to migrate illegally

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

Emerging Illicit Industries in the Wake of COVID-19

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +0100

This episode examines how bans and increased regulation in above ground industries under the stated intent of “stopping the spread of COVID-19” have led to new forms of illicit trade in Eastern and Southern Africa.

In Somalia donations of personal and ventilators have been misappropriated for profit and a ban on Khat threatens to destabilize the lives of growers and sellers in Kenya.

In South Africa a ban on tobacco is exposing the tobacco industries participation in the black market.

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

Guests

Abdulaziz Billow Ali - Journalist/TV Correspondent CGTN Africa

Telita Snyckers - Illicit Trade Expert, former tax lawyer for the South African Revenue Services (SARS)

Dalle Abraham - Dalle Abraham is a writer based in Marsabit, Kenya.

Jay Bahadur - Journalist and author

Documents

Risk Bulletin #9

Global Initiative

Producer: Alexandria Sahai Williams

Licit Economy Smuggling in the Maghreb and Sahel

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 11:00:00 +0100

In this episode of Africa and the Global Illicit Economy we explore how licit economy smuggling has become the backbone of communities across the Maghreb and Sahel.

This episode features discussions on how governments tolerate and manage the trade in contraband commodities, medicine smuggling from Tunisia into Libya and the importance of food smuggling to borderland communities.

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

Guests:

Raouf Farrah

Max Gallien

Jihane Ben Yahia

Related material:

Max Gallien

http://etheses.lse.ac.uk/4116/

https://carnegieendowment.org/sada/77053

Jihane Ben Yahia

https://enactafrica.org/research/research-papers/a-medical-emergency-trafficking-pharmaceuticals-from-tunisia-tolibya

Raouf Farrah

https://globalinitiative.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/After_the_storm_GI-TOC.pdf

Producer: Alexandria Sahai Williams

Unintended Consequences: Charcoal, Wine and Dhows

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 10:30:00 +0100

In this episode of Africa and the Global Illicit Economy we explore how developments in East and Southern Africa’s economy can lead to unintended consequences in the illicit economy.

This episode features an inside look at how the tension between demand for charcoal and bans on production has given rise to powerful dealers who strike predatory agreements with local communities in Northern Uganda, smugglers who hijack wine exports in South Africa's Western Cape, and how a small sailing vessel called a “dhow” has been co-opted for heroin smuggling throughout the Indian Ocean.

Presenter: Lindy Mtongana

Speakers

Rukshana Parker - Analyst, Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime

Arthur Owor - Director Of Research and Operations - Centre for African Research-Northern Uganda Research Centre

Julia Stanyard - Analyst, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

Producer: Alexandria Sahai Williams

Risk Bulletin

Human Smuggling, Drug Trafficking & COVID-19 in North Africa & the Sahel

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 11:00:00 +0100

We start in North Africa and the Sahel where we will give you a comprehensive overview of some of the major illicit markets in the region, before in future episodes taking a more in depth look at the nuances within the illicit economy in Africa.

In this episode we will discuss the journey taken by human smugglers and migrants travelling through the Sahel region and how that has been impacted by COVID-19.

Before moving onto Libya, the departure point for many of those trying to get to Europe. Where COVID has combined with an ongoing war to make life even more difficult for migrants.

And finally, we'll look at the drug production and trafficking region of the Maghreb, on the doorstep of the European illicit drug market.

#AfricaTOC

Presenter

Lindy Mtongana

Guests

Alexandre Bish - Senior Analyst at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.

Rebecca Murray, Senior Analyst at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.

Mark Micallef, Director of the North Africa and Sahel Observatory at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.

Matt Herbet, Senior Analyst with the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.

GI's Risk Bulletin