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Introduction
The Global Organized Crime Index (OCIndex) stands as a vital instrument that aids in our comprehension and evaluation of the prevalence and impact of organized crime on a global scale. It provides an extensive overview of diverse transnational criminal activities, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering and cybercrime. Furthermore, it assesses the strengths and vulnerabilities of 193 UN member states concerning these criminal activities while also evaluating the level of criminality within countries’ markets.
The 2023 cohort of the OCIndex illuminated a global scenario in which nations and their populations have grown increasingly vulnerable to organized crimes. This heightened vulnerability can be attributed to the effects of poverty, inequality and the rapid advancement of technology.
Moreover, the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated long-standing issues, including inequality, the well-being of individuals and the fragility of government measures aimed at countering illicit economies.
In addition to the existing 10 criminal market indicators in 2021, the OCIndex 2023 underwent refinement by incorporating five new measurement indicators. Furthermore, it considered the involvement of private sector actors, such as intermediaries and businesses, in their newfound roles as contributors to criminal activities.
Figure 1: Criminal markets, global averages 2021 vs 2023
Figure 2: Criminal actors, global averages 2021 vs 2023
The South Asian Context
The OCIndex has revealed that South Asian countries have experienced an increase in criminality levels, with scores rising by 5.82 and 5.46, respectively, compared to the Asia region’s average score of 5.47. Notably, trafficking in persons and human smuggling remains the most prevalent among the 15 illicit economies in the region.
Figure 3: Index Scores, Asia
Figure 4: Criminal Market Scores, Asia
Based on the profiles of Nepal and Malaysia within the index, a substantial portion of Nepali migrant workers find themselves trapped in situations of forced labor when they migrate to countries like Malaysia, the Gulf states and India.
Reflecting this, research conducted by MIDEQ Malaysia has revealed that whilst migration and inequality may not directly lead to organized crime, they establish circumstances that expose migrants and communities to exploitation and criminal activities.
For instance, the significant economic disparities both within and between Nepal and Malaysia compel Nepali migrant workers to seek improved livelihood and break the poverty cycle through overseas employment. These workers frequently originate from economically-disadvantaged backgrounds, heightening their vulnerability. This vulnerability can be capitalized upon by organized criminal private sector actors, such as brokers and sub-agents, who make deceptive employment promises.
As a result, Nepali migrant workers frequently find themselves ensnared in heavy debt due to the cost of migration, unclear about their employment status (forced labor) and other forms of exploitation.
Figure 5: Comparison of Criminality Scores between Nepal and Malaysia
Reflections
- Awareness and Advocacy
The index serves as a powerful tool in raising awareness about the pervasive nature of organized crime and its far-reaching consequences. It urges governments and international organizations to take decisive action against these criminal activities.
It also underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder cooperation in combating transnational organized crimes and advocates for comparative analysis and information sharing among nations.
Moreover, integrating labor intermediaries from Nepal and Malaysia into policymaking is pivotal in bolstering efforts against human trafficking and migrant smuggling. By engaging these facilitators of job placements, policymakers gain an in-depth understanding of on-the-ground challenges and potential loopholes from the start of the recruitment process. This collaboration aids in crafting practical regulations and enforcement strategies that specifically target vulnerabilities within the recruitment process.
- Policy Focus
By offering insights into the extent of organized crime, the OCIndex can guide policymakers in prioritizing efforts to combat these criminal activities. This, in turn, aids in the allocation of resources and expertise to where they are most needed, resulting in more effective policy implementation and enhanced resilience for countries.
Additionally, involving labor intermediaries and Malaysian businesses provides policymakers with invaluable insights. These insights aid in devising proactive strategies, enhancing monitoring mechanisms and enforcing penalties at the right place.
This inclusive approach ensures a comprehensive system to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling, safeguarding the rights and dignity of vulnerable workers while reinforcing the enforcement framework.
However, it is essential to note the following caveats to the report:
- Focus on Symptoms, Not Causes
While the index highlights the extent of organized crime, it does not explore deeply the root causes that enable these criminal activities to thrive, such as social and economic inequality, poverty and political instability.
In the post-pandemic recovery process, unemployment and job opportunities remain the most prominent global challenges on top of digital technologies and online platforms where criminals have seized new opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities.
Instead of imposing one-size-fits-all solutions, international organisations should focus on offering valuable resources, sharing best practices and facilitating the exchange of experiences to Asian countries that face higher vulnerability to organised crimes.
For instance, the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) proposed a solution to redeploy jobless migrant workers to sectors facing labour shortages. This strategy aims to match available workers with employers in need, addressing unemployment while fulfilling demand in sectors requiring additional workforce, benefitting both parties in the labour market.
- Response and Adaptation
The index might unconsciously promote a reactive approach, where countries focus on improving their rankings without addressing underlying issues or developing long-term strategies. It is crucial to ensure that efforts are not ad-hoc but sustained and comprehensive.
In cases where victims of trafficking or smuggling are identified, for instance, businesses and recruitment agencies can play a pivotal role in ensuring their safety and providing access to support services. This includes facilitating connections with legal assistance, counselling and safe repatriation services.
For instance, private recruitment agencies (APS) in Malaysia recommend mandating employers to engage only with certified recruiters under the Ministry of Human Resources. This proposal seeks to ensure standardized hiring practices, enhancing worker protection and curbing exploitation by eradicating the freedom to bypass certified agencies in recruitment processes.
Conclusion
In summary, the OCIndex serves as a valuable tool for shedding light on the global challenge of organized crime. However, it is essential to view the index as a starting point for informed discussions, policy considerations and collaborative efforts aimed at addressing the complicated and evolving nature of organised criminal activities.
To harness the full potential of the index, it should be supplemented with evidence-based data and studies, facilitating a stronger connection between the root causes of issues like migration and inequality and the resulting consequences, such as human trafficking and people smuggling.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors; they do not necessarily reflect the view of the university or any organisation. The original version of this article was published on 13th October 2023 by MIDEQ.
