Serbia ranks very high on 2021 Global Organised Crime Index

Serbia came 33rd in the Global Organised Crime Index for 2021, putting it in second place after Russia with the highest organised crime rate.

In Europe, Serbia was followed by Montenegro (45th), Bosnia and Herzegovina (49th), North Macedonia (74th), Croatia (85th) and Slovenia (132nd).

According to the Global Organised Crime Index, ‘mafia-style’ groups enjoy significant protection by political figures and prosecutors in Serbia, as high-profile drug trafficking cases and murders have not been prosecuted or convicted.

The index also shows a strong link between criminal actors and politicians, especially in the media, privatisation and public procurement, which provides criminals with considerable protection. The report said that the country’s political system, including criminal law institutions, is dominated by the ruling party without adequate supervision by the police.

It describes Serbia as a place of origin, transit, and destination for human trafficking. It is also an illegal arms trade centre, with a large amount of weapons redirected to illicit markets. Serbia is also described as being home to a widespread trade of heroin, cannabis and synthetic drugs.

(EURACTIV.rs | betabriefing.com)