Global Organized Crime Index Report: Numerous Individuals Wanted by Interpol in Northern Cyprus

According to the Global Organized Crime Index 2023 Report, compiled by the International Organized Crime Initiative, Northern Cyprus is home to numerous individuals wanted by Interpol. The report also reveals that crimes such as human trafficking, sex work, arms smuggling, fuel smuggling, drug-related offenses, criminal actors, and money laundering have their origins in Northern Cyprus. The island of Cyprus ranks 29th in the global organized crime index and 6th in the South European region, reflecting a deterioration in its score compared to 2021, placing it at 129th out of 193 countries.

At the top of the Global Organized Crime Index, Myanmar leads with a score of 8.15, followed by Colombia and Mexico. Iran shares the 14th spot with Turkey, both having the same score. Russia ranks 19th with a score of 6.87.

The report attributes Northern Cyprus's declining score to crimes such as human trafficking, sex work, arms smuggling, fuel smuggling, drug-related offenses, criminal actors, and money laundering, which are prevalent in the region.

Human Trafficking... "Some Universities Direct African Students to Cross the Buffer Zone"

The report highlights Northern Cyprus as a significant hub within the growing human trafficking market, particularly related to human trafficking networks heading to Europe. It notes that sexual exploitation becomes more widespread during the tourism season, with victims being coerced into sexual acts in bars, massage parlors, hotels, private apartments, and commercial sex establishments. Young women are recruited for sex work through the misuse of short-term tourist visas. Exploitation of foreign labor is common in the agriculture and construction sectors, while local workers in the service sector are also at risk. Cases of forced labor are often downplayed as mere labor disputes by officials accused of tolerating exploitative practices.

Due to its geographical location between Africa, Asia, and Europe, Cyprus serves as a popular destination for irregular migration. The report underscores that Cyprus serves as both a transit and destination country for human trafficking, making it the largest crime market on the island, followed by human and drug trafficking markets. People arrive by small boats and commercial vessels, and illegal universities established in Northern Cyprus provide student visas to African citizens who often do not attend classes. Upon arriving in Northern Cyprus, they are directed to cross the buffer zone and seek asylum in the Republic of Cyprus. Some individuals also attempt to apply for political asylum through sham marriages facilitated by traffickers.

"Most of the Arms Smuggling Originates in Northern Cyprus"

The report states that Cyprus serves as a transit country for illegal arms trade, with a significant portion of the smuggling originating in Northern Cyprus.

Counterfeit goods are a significant issue in Cyprus, with many counterfeit products entering from Turkey via Northern Cyprus. The country suffers substantial financial losses due to counterfeiting and piracy. Among the counterfeit products seized in recent police operations are clothing, accessories, mobile phone cases, toys, perfumes, and other items.

Heroin... "Exploiting Northern Cyprus' Instability to Smuggle from Afghanistan by Sea"

While the report acknowledges that heroin trade in Cyprus is limited and mostly geared toward the domestic market, it points out that most of the imported heroin is smuggled by sea from Afghanistan, taking advantage of Northern Cyprus' instability. However, Turkey's role as a transit country and increased consumption in neighboring countries are concerns that may impact the heroin market in Cyprus, especially in the Turkish-controlled part of the island.

Criminal Actors... "Numerous Individuals Wanted by Interpol in Northern Cyprus"

The report highlights the prominence of foreign criminal actors in Cyprus, posing challenges to the country's crime markets. Caucasian, Eastern European, and Asian organized crime groups are actively involved in various criminal activities, particularly dominating the drug trafficking market in Northern Cyprus. The Russian mafia, with substantial financial and economic power in Cyprus, is considered the most influential criminal group. Many individuals wanted by Interpol are residing in areas not under the effective control of the Republic of Cyprus. These foreign criminal actors closely cooperate with local criminals. Loose crime networks are highly effective in the country and have a stake in drug smuggling, illegal gambling, human trafficking, and property-related crimes.