Pacific island nations are at risk of becoming a base for global criminal gangs, says a report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, cited by Reuters and BTA.
The report notes that the threat of drug and human trafficking, illegal fishing, wildlife trafficking, money laundering and cybercrime is increasing in this region at a faster rate than at any other time in the story.
The area is currently home to drug cartels from North and South America, outlaw motorcycle gangs from Australia and New Zealand, as well as Asian crime groups, the report said.
"The flourishing criminal ecosystem in the Pacific region attracts powerful transnational criminal networks from different corners of the world", warns the UN office.
In addition, it noted that "growing concerns that parts of the region could become key strongholds for criminal groups engaged in various illegal activities" are well-founded.
Pacific countries and territories are particularly vulnerable due to their geographic isolation and economic weakness, as well as high levels of corruption and limited state capacity, the document says.
Many Pacific islands have historically relied on countries like Australia to maintain public order, an issue that has taken on geopolitical significance after China deployed police officers to the Solomon Islands in 2022. Chinese officials are also present in Kiribati.
Earlier this year, Australia said China should not develop any policing in the region and that it had committed A$400 million (US$270 million) to help train and deploy police to the area.< /p>
The United States, which is also concerned about Chinese influence, announced in August that it would work together with Pacific nations to counter drug trafficking by criminal groups from China and Southeast Asia.