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United States Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security 1998 contents 5 Letter From the Editor 6 Contributors emerging trends 7in Combattingtransnational Transnational crime Crime by Susan Snyder 10 Tracking the Global Crime Threat by Russell Ross 16 Organized Crime in South Africa by Stephen L. Capelli 30 Nigerian Advance Fee Fraud by Andy Corsun 58 Crime in China by Jim Dunne 70 Truck Hijackings and Cargo Theft in Mexico by Kevin J. Huska 76 Nordic Motorcycle Gangs by Peggy Brown issues in personal security 90 Travel Safe, Travel Smart Special thanks are extended to the by Carl F. Troy Graphics Section of the State Department’s Publishing Services Division, which is responsible for 94 Now You See It, Now You Don’t most of the original art work in —Laptop Theft this publication. by Andy Corsun This publication was prepared by the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Office of Intelligence and Threat 104Tips to Avoid Being a Victim Analysis (DS/DSS/ITA). of Pickpockets by Peggy Brown Comments and queries are welcomed and may be directed to the Office Director of DS/DSS/ITA 108Carjacking in Africa on 202.663.0786. —a Particular Concern for Foreign Residents Department of State Publication 10521 by Stephen L. Capelli Bureau of Diplomatic Security Released May 1998 116Rape—What Everyone Internet Addresses: Needs to Know http://www.state.gov http://www.travel.state.gov by Lynda M. Graham http://www.heroes.net and Lisa C. Meeks 120A-OK—A Safety Program for American Children Living Overseas by Jane S. DeKay 124Taxi Cab Violence: A Growing Concern for U.S. Travelers in Mexico by Danny Rothstein letterletter fromfrom thethe editoreditor With the end of the Cold War in the late 1980s, we saw the emergence of a new global security threat—transnational crime. Transnational crime results in the loss of billions of dollars annually, can affect bilateral relations between nations, and can destroy the fabric of society. In an effort to sensitize and educate the reader on the ramifications of transnational crime, the Bureau of Diplomatic Security’s Office of Intelligence and Threat Analysis (DS/DSS/ITA) is inaugurating a new publication, Issues in Global Crime. We discuss the role diplomacy plays in combatting transnational crime. Next we look at how the Department of State allocates resources to protect the diplomatic community overseas. We take an indepth look at some emerging trends in transnational crime. Such as Nigerian Advance Fee Fraud, a confidence scheme that, according to U.S. Secret Service Financial Crimes Division, “represents a serious financial threat to the United States.” Other disturbing new transnational crime trends that will be addressed in this publication are rising crime in China, organized crime in South Africa, motorcycle gang warfare in the Nordic countries, and the truck hijackings in Mexico, where losses to businesses because of cargo theft are estimated in the $100s millions. Whereas transnational crime primarily affects business enterprises and international organizations, the most prevalent threat overseas is crime against your person. The information provided in our articles on personal security is general and has application globally. We examine the problem of carjackings in Africa, and the crimes of pickpocketing, rape, and the theft of laptop computers. The State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs provides important information for Americans who are contemplating safe travel or residence abroad. Hopefully, throughout this premiere issue, we offer countermeasures and suggestions to protect potential victims. Issues in Global Crime, complements DS/DSS/ITA’s annual chronology Significant Incidents of Political Violence Against Americans, and its analytical publication Terrorist Tactics and Security Practices. Andy Corsun, Editor contributorscontributors Lynda Graham is a Health Systems Specialist working Jim Dunne is the East Asia and with the Bureau of the Pacific Analyst for the Bureau Diplomatic Security’s Mobile of Diplomatic Security’s Office of Security Division. She is also Intelligence and Threat Analysis. the coordinator of the Rape Awareness Program for the Bureau. Kevin Huska is a Diplomatic Lisa C. Meeks is a Special Security Special Agent detailed to Agent with the Bureau of cover Latin America. Diplomatic Security’s Mobile Security Division. Carl Troy is the Division Chief Danny Rothstein covers for Europe and Canada, Central America and Bureau of Consular Affairs, Mexico for the Bureau of Office of Overseas Citizens Diplomatic Security’s Office Services. of Intelligence and Threat Analysis. Susan Snyder is the Press Officer for the Bureau of Andy Corsun is the International Narcotics and Law Division Chief for Africa Enforcement Affairs. and Europe, Bureau of Diplomatic Security’s Office of Intelligence and Threat Analysis. 6 In the State Department, the Bureau for Interna- tional Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is responsible for all activities related to curbing the threat of international crime, including drug trafficking. In the late 1980s, when the Cold War began to thaw, and transnational crime began its ascen- dancy, INL was forced to rethink its diplomatic strategy and tactics. We were used to dealing government-to-government, assuming that elected governments are in a position to speak for their nation’s actions. But, what do you do in a case when the leadership is corrupt and working against the interests of its own citizens as well as Combatting against the interests of the United States? Or how do you cope with a government whose intentions Transnational may be good at the highest levels, but is institu- tionally incapable of achieving common goals? Crime These are not abstract questions. The diplomatic by Susan Snyder carrots and sticks of financial aid or military pres- sure are not always credible in countries where International crime has become a serious national international criminals have immediate access to and international security threat. Where in the larger sums of money and better firepower than past, countries most feared armed attacks from even our own government can muster on short hostile neighbors, governments now face the notice. But we have learned that we have a more insidious threat of internal corruption ma- unique weapon in our diplomatic arsenal: experi- nipulated by powerful drug syndicates. Sheer ence building and maintaining democratic institu- firepower and size of armies are no longer the tions under the rule of law. primary measures of power. Money has taken their place. Here are some examples of how INL is making diplomatic use of our experience. Most of what we Access to wealth on a grand scale makes interna- are doing falls under the rubric of institution build- tional criminals a unique international security ing. We need to instill a much wider and more threat. Since their main objective is to create a profound respect for the rule of law in countries secure operating environment, they can buy where law was often based on the whims of themselves protection at almost any level of gov- authoritarian rulers. Criminal organizations took ernment—thereby manipulating the machinery of advantage of these conditions to “legalize” their democratic government to serve their own pur- outlaw status. This would not be possible in a just poses. system where the rule of law prevails. Around the globe, examples of drug and other To that end, we are training police, lawyers, corruption are abundant. In the Western Hemi- judges, court reporters, and investigators through- sphere, we have only to look at Colombia—and, out the world. We provide them with equipment of course, at Mexico—to see just how effective necessary to do their jobs. We are also aiding drug criminals can be. On the other side of the nations in developing strong, fair laws outlawing world, we see authorities in Burma and increas- the production and transit of illegal drugs, provid- ingly in Afghanistan, using the drug trade as vital ing assistance in reforming criminal codes, and sources of state income. In Africa, the most egre- helping to draft strong antimoney laundering and gious example is Nigeria where all forms of crime asset seizure statutes. and graft are practiced with virtual impunity. 7 Key to this effort is regional cooperation among ments that enhance U.S. and host country law law enforcement agencies. The goal is to destroy enforcement efforts against maritime drug smug- the criminal organization’s infrastructure by sharing gling by permitting our Coast Guard to board critical information between governments. We are suspicious vessels on the high seas and to pursue helping to facilitate this information exchange at them, if necessary, into the territorial waters of the working level through joint operations and these countries. joint training seminars. We continue to strike at the very heart of the Last year, law enforcement officials in countries world’s largest drug and crime syndicates by limit- where INL has programs seized 140 metric tons of ing their access to legitimate banking systems. In cocaine products. These 140 tons represent a the 10 years since INL began seeking global soli- significant portion of the 700–800 metric ton darity in fighting money laundering, we have theoretical worldwide production of cocaine. made considerable progress. For many years, some bankers chose to ignore the source of depos- Meanwhile, the leaders of the world’s drug and its on the theory that once in the system, there is crime syndicates, whose acts of violence and no such thing as dirty money. Working through corruption terrorize societies and paralyze govern- our G-7 allies and the Financial Action Task Force, ments, are under pressure as never before. we have convinced most governments, if not most Strengthened through U.S.-provided training, bankers, that the source of funds is not only impor- information, and assistance, police organizations tant but can ultimately become a national security in Colombia, Mexico, Thailand, and elsewhere concern.

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