Mozambique Faces Surge in Drug Trafficking and Synthetic Drug Production

Mozambique is confronting a substantial rise in drug trafficking, as the country has become not only a transit corridor but also a production site for synthetic drugs. Attorney General Beatriz Buchili reported that in 2023, the Public Prosecutor's Office registered 519 money laundering cases, with 449 stemming from investigations into preceding crimes such as corruption, drug trafficking, environmental crimes, tax fraud, and kidnappings.

Investigations have revealed a scheme of illegal capital export, utilizing fraudulent mechanisms and shell companies to move an estimated $330 million (21 billion meticais) to countries including China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Mauritius Island, Portugal, and Turkey. The money laundering crimes were connected to corruption, involving public servants, customs brokers, and bank employees who facilitated the fraudulent establishment of companies and illegal currency export.

Why this matters: The surge in drug trafficking and money laundering in Mozambique highlights the country's growing role in the global illicit drug trade. The involvement of public officials and financial institutions in facilitating these crimes emphasizes the need for stronger anti-corruption measures and international cooperation to combat the problem.

Mozambique's National Criminal Investigation Service (Sernic) faces substantial challenges in combating crime, particularly drug trafficking. Attorney-General Beatriz Buchili reported that Sernic has been unable to recruit or train new staff and lacks adequate technical equipment, laboratories, and vehicles. This has greatly impacted Sernic's ability to respond to crimes such as terrorism, kidnapping, and drug trafficking. Additionally, corruption within Sernic remains a concern, with 26 criminal proceedings opened against its members in 2023.

The country's prison system is also severely strained, with overcrowding being a major issue. Mozambican prisons currently hold 21,814 inmates in facilities designed for only 8,873 people. The report also revealed a large-scale money laundering scheme involving the illegal export of around $330 million to various countries, facilitated by public employees, customs agents, and banking staff.

"The investigations revealed a scheme of illegal capital export, using fraudulent mechanisms and shell companies to export an estimated $330 million (21 billion meticais) to countries like China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Mauritius Island, Portugal, and Turkey," Attorney General Beatriz Buchili stated. The surge in drug trafficking and related crimes, coupled with the challenges faced by law enforcement and the prison system, underscores the urgent need for Mozambique to strengthen its efforts in combating organized crime and corruption.

Key Takeaways

• Mozambique faces a surge in drug trafficking and money laundering.
• Over $330 million was illegally exported via shell companies and corruption.
• Law enforcement faces challenges due to lack of resources and corruption.
• Prisons are severely overcrowded, holding over 21,000 inmates in facilities designed for 8,873.
• Stronger anti-corruption measures and international cooperation are needed to combat organized crime.