Restrictions on movement imposed by East African governments to curb the spread of COVID-19 present opportunities and challenges to transnational crime networks. Trafficking in persons, arms and drugs seems to have slowed, while cyber crimes and the black market in medical supplies are growing – testimony to the resilience and adaptability of organised criminal groups.
This seminar will explore shifting trends in transnational organised crime during the pandemic. Speakers will discuss the likely effects of COVID-19 responses on criminal markets, and long-term repercussions on trafficking and smuggling of persons, drugs, arms and contraband across borders in East Africa.
Chair: Deo Gumba, ENACT Regional Organised Crime Observatory Coordinator for East and Horn of Africa, ISS
Opening Remarks: Representative of the European Union Delegation to Kenya
Speakers:
Simone Haysom, Senior Analyst, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime/ENACT
John Patrick Broome, Criminal Intelligence Analyst for East Africa, INTERPOL/ENACT
Lucia Bird, Senior Analyst, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime/ENACT
Martin Ewi, Southern Africa Regional Coordinator, Institute for Security Studies/ENACT
Photo: © Canadian Centre for Cyber Security
