Central African Republic has become a major hub for what investigators describe as a rapidly expanding network of transnational organised crime, linking armed conflict to global flows of gold, diamonds, timber and illicit drugs. That's according to a new report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, which says a range of foreign actors-including Russia-linked Wagner networks and other international interests-are embedded in these illicit economies. The report suggests that criminal markets are now deeply intertwined with political and military structures inside the country, raising concerns about worsening violence and state capture.  Tsepiso Makwetla spoke Ruben de Koning, senior expert at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.

<p>Central African Republic has become a major hub for what investigators describe as a rapidly expanding network of transnational organised crime, linking armed conflict to global flows of gold, diamonds, timber and illicit drugs. That's according to a new report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, which says a range of foreign actors-including Russia-linked Wagner networks and other international interests-are embedded in these illicit economies. The report suggests that criminal markets are now deeply intertwined with political and military structures inside the country, raising concerns about worsening violence and state capture. &nbsp;Tsepiso Makwetla spoke Ruben de Koning, senior expert at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.</p>

Africa Rise & Shine

Rise & Shine

Central African Republic "becomes  rapidly expanding network of transnational organised crime"  and illicit global timber, gold, drugs and diamond flows 