Crime In Antigua And Barbuda: A Comprehensive Overview

Crime in Antigua and Barbuda is a complex issue. While the country has a reputation for being a safe destination for tourists, there are varying reports on the state of criminal activity, with some sources indicating a recent surge in certain types of crimes.

Antigua and Barbuda's crime rate statistics have fluctuated over the years, with a significant increase in 2021, followed by a 100% decline in 2022. The country's crime index, which is influenced by property crimes, is considered relatively high and falls between moderate and very high.

One of the primary concerns is the rise of small street gangs, which has led to an increase in violent crimes, including murder, armed robbery, and sexual assault. In addition, there are issues with drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and human trafficking, with the country serving as a transit hub for the cocaine trade. Corruption and the proliferation of unlicensed firearms also contribute to the complex nature of crime in the country.

Despite these challenges, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda is committed to addressing criminal activities, and the government has expressed its dedication to prioritizing safety and security.

Sexual assault

If you are a British national and are the victim of a sexual assault in Antigua and Barbuda, you can refer to the UK government website for information on the legal system in the country, as well as how to report assaults to the police.

In general, tourists are advised to take sensible precautions to protect their personal safety, such as ensuring their accommodation is secure, taking care when walking alone off busy main roads, and avoiding isolated areas, including beaches, especially after dark.

Revenge crimes

Antigua and Barbuda have a high crime index, which is mostly due to the prevalence of property crimes. The country has a history of violent crimes, including murder, armed robbery, and sexual assault. According to the Public Safety Minister, Sir Steadroy Cutie Benjamin, most crimes in the country are crimes of passion or retribution, where individuals seek revenge or are entangled in substance-related problems.

Substance abuse and addiction are significant factors contributing to revenge crimes in Antigua and Barbuda. Individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol may act impulsively and violently, seeking revenge for perceived slights or grievances. The country is part of a major drug trafficking ring, with criminal networks from nearby Jamaica trafficking arms and drugs into the country. This easy access to illegal substances contributes to the problem of substance abuse and the resulting crimes.

In addition, the country's history of corruption and the involvement of low-level state actors in criminal markets, such as arms and drug trafficking, create an environment conducive to revenge crimes. Criminal syndicates and local criminal networks exploit the vulnerabilities of individuals, especially those facing substance-related issues, to carry out their illicit activities.

To address revenge crimes in Antigua and Barbuda, it is essential to tackle the underlying issues of substance abuse and corruption. This includes strengthening law enforcement and border control measures, providing support and treatment for those struggling with addiction, and promoting transparency and accountability within the government.

Furthermore, it is crucial to foster a culture of peace and non-violence, encouraging individuals to seek constructive solutions to conflicts rather than resorting to revenge. Community engagement, education, and social support programs can play a vital role in preventing and reducing the incidence of revenge crimes.

Substance-related crimes

Antigua and Barbuda is a transit country for human trafficking, with adults and children being exploited for sex work and forced labour. Criminal groups use false promises of legitimate jobs to entice victims, primarily from Saint Lucia, Jamaica, and Guyana. Travel agencies have also been known to offer employment and pre-pay employee costs, leaving victims in debt bondage. There are also allegations that off-duty police officers are complicit in human trafficking, impeding investigations and persuading victims not to report crimes.

The country has also been identified as a transit hub for the cocaine trade, with traffickers taking advantage of its location and the lack of monitoring and policing of territorial waters. Drugs are trafficked via maritime routes and commercial airlines, with state actors allegedly facilitating the trade to some extent.

The production, distribution, and sale of synthetic drugs are also a concern, with reports of seizures, although these have been isolated incidents.

Local criminal networks are reportedly concentrated in poorer areas and mostly engage in theft, car break-ins, and home invasions. There are also reports of loose networks becoming more involved in trafficking women from abroad and forcing them into sexual exploitation.

Drug laws in Antigua and Barbuda are strict, with severe penalties for possession, trafficking, or use of illegal substances.

Property crimes

While violent crimes do occur, they are not the primary contributor to the country's crime index rating of "moderate" to "very high". Instead, property crimes, such as vandalism and theft, are the main concern. Visitors are advised to take sensible precautions, such as securing their accommodation, avoiding isolated areas, using only licensed taxis, and not carrying large amounts of cash or jewellery.

Local criminal networks are often concentrated in poorer areas and are responsible for thefts, car break-ins, and home invasions. In recent years, there has been an increase in youth gangs, but these groups do not monopolize violence or control territories. Most tourists do not encounter these gangs, as their activities are typically confined to areas that are not commonly visited by visitors.

Antigua and Barbuda is also a transit point for drug trafficking, with cocaine and cannabis being trafficked through its borders. This drug trade is facilitated by local criminal networks and foreign actors, taking advantage of the country's territorial vulnerabilities and lack of monitoring of territorial waters. However, it is important to note that the country's law enforcement actively investigates and takes action against transgressors, and INTERPOL provides additional support in combating drug and arms trafficking.

In summary, while Antigua and Barbuda faces challenges with property crimes, visitors can greatly minimize their risks by adhering to standard safety precautions and avoiding isolated areas. The country's law enforcement works to address these issues, and most tourists have enjoyable and trouble-free experiences during their visits.

Transnational crimes

Antigua and Barbuda is a destination and transit country for human trafficking, with adults and children being subjected to sex trafficking and forced labour. Criminal syndicates use false promises of legitimate jobs in the hospitality sector to entice women and young people from abroad, primarily from Saint Lucia, Jamaica, and Guyana. Once in the country, women are forced into prostitution, domestic servitude, or retail work. There are also reports of off-duty police officers being complicit in human trafficking, impeding investigations, or persuading victims not to report crimes.

The country has also been identified as a transit hub for the cocaine trade, due to its location at the centre of the flow of narcotics from South American drug-producing countries to the large consuming countries in the north. Traffickers usually deliver and offload their drug shipments on beaches or offshore, from where the loads are moved to smaller boats and transported to destination markets. There have also been reports of state actors facilitating the drug trade to some extent.

Arms trafficking in Antigua and Barbuda is relatively moderate, but the use of firearms is among the country's primary challenges. The gun homicide rate doubled between 2020 and 2021, possibly due to the decline in resources available to combat arms trafficking during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reports suggest that security services either provide the weapons themselves or facilitate gun crime by allowing organised groups to traffic weapons into the country.

International websites selling counterfeit goods are accessible from Antigua and Barbuda, and locals have reported trade in counterfeit goods and items from China that arrive via Cuba. However, no trade in counterfeit goods controlled by organised criminal actors has been identified.

Antigua and Barbuda, as a substantial offshore centre with a large financial sector, continues to be vulnerable to financial crimes. Citizenship through investment schemes provides opportunities for financial crimes such as Ponzi schemes. However, there is limited evidence to suggest that these activities are linked to local and/or international organised crime.

There is a growing apprehension about transnational crimes and various criminal behaviours in Antigua and Barbuda, including money laundering, human smuggling, firearms and ammunition trafficking, cybercrime, and the trade in illegal substances.

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