ferrous and non-ferrous metals
As one of the world’s largest producers of precious metals, Gold and Diamonds, and with the availability of extensive resources in the region, Southern Africa has in recent times become the focus of organized criminal groups seeking to exploit these resources to the detriment of the region and its economic well-being.
The illicit trade constitutes a multi-billion rand industry presenting a number of challenges and threats to national security, government authority and socio-economic development. In particular, it increases the regions vulnerability to international organized crime and possible terrorist networks, facilitates the influx of foreign nationals involved in human trafficking, and intensifies the illegal trade in arms, explosives and drugs.
trends
The illicit trade constitutes a multi-billion rand industry presenting a number of challenges and threats to national security, government authority and socio-economic development. In particular, it increases the regions vulnerability to international organized crime and possible terrorist networks, facilitates the influx of foreign nationals involved in human trafficking, and intensifies the illegal trade in arms, explosives and drugs.
The increasing involvement of organized crime in the illicit trafficking of precious metals and diamonds are making the SADC region progressively vulnerable to the activities of these groups who are creating a source of funding to further their other criminal activities not only in Southern Africa, but globally as well. In addition, growing concerns are being raised about the potential of such crimes financing terrorism and illicit financial flows.
The extent of these criminal activities run into billions of Dollars and an ever increasing international dimension is evident, with large quantities being trafficked abroad, to lucrative markets in Asia and Europe.
SARPCCO INITIATIVES
It stands to reason that given the regional and international dimensions of such crimes countries cannot effectively combat these crimes in isolation, and a coherent strategy is required.
The SARPCCO Region has therefore realized that there is an urgent need for a regional strategy to address crimes situation in general, including trafficking in precious metals. SARPCCO is implementing a wide range of training programs aimed at equipping law enforcement agencies with required knowledge and skills to counter illicit trafficking in precious metals, gold and diamonds through intelligence led operations and information sharing.
