14 Oct 2023

Organised crime a growing problem in the Pacific - NGO adviser

From , 6:01 am on 14 October 2023
Head of Pacific Programme at Global Initiative against Organised Crime, Virginia Comolli

Head of Pacific Programme at Global Initiative against Organised Crime, Virginia Comolli Photo: Policing Insight

Although Pacific countries don't experience high levels of criminality, shifts in transnational dynamics are changing the region's organised crime landscape. 

Organised crime can take many forms within the Pacific region. 

On the surface, it may appear that the region is faring well however, in addition to drug trafficking, low-tax jurisdictions such as Vanuatu are vulnerable to money laundering. 

Elsewhere, such as in the Marshall Islands, human trafficking is an ongoing risk.

Independent, not-for-profit organisation, Global Initiative is hoping to change all that.

Head of Pacific Programme, Virginia Comolli spoke with Pacific Waves host Susana Suisuiki about the work Global Initiative are undertaking in the region.