Military Corruption and Organized Crime in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus

Abstract

Governments rely on their military for a basis of continued sovereignty and authority. This relationship however can become weakened when a military becomes corrupt and is influenced by organized crime. Clan-based, criminal family groups have now morphed into trans-national criminal organizations. In addition, the rise in prominence and influence of Muslim terrorist groups has changed the nature of organized crime. Military boarder guards in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus often succumb to the irresistible temptation of bribes from drug traffickers because of low wages and deplorable conditions. Ill-treatment and human rights abuses of these conscript soldiers by older recruits or their officers are also a continuing problem. Most governments do not have the resources, or manpower necessary to combat these abuses or the influence of criminal organizations. There is a need to create better accountability and transparency within the military, also more innovation and funds are necessary to keep pace with, and curb the rising dominance of criminal organizations.