Bosnia and Herzegovina remains deeply affected by organized crime – from human trafficking and migrant smuggling to corruption, arms trafficking and environmental crime – according to the latest Organized Crime Index for 2025.
Organized crime index for 2025.which was prepared by the Geneva-based non-governmental organization Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime, was published today and the accompanying report points to numerous shortcomings in the fight against organized crime in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Human trafficking and exploitation
The report warns that BiH continues to function as a country of origin, transit and destination for victims of human trafficking. Women and girls from BiH are sold for sexual exploitation within the country and abroad, while Roma children are among the most vulnerable, often forced into begging, sexual exploitation and domestic slavery.
It is stated that “criminal networks use corruption in state institutions”, where some officials were involved in issuing false documents to facilitate human trafficking”. Although the government has increased the number of criminal proceedings and the funding of shelters managed by non-governmental organizations, the identification of victims remains insufficient, and many victims are still punished for crimes they were forced to commit.
Migrants and refugees, especially unaccompanied minors from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Syria, face an increased risk of exploitation and are often targeted by traffickers.
Smuggling of migrants and corruption
Bosnia and Herzegovina has been identified as a key transit point on the Balkan migrant route, where the people smuggling market is deeply rooted and closely linked to the arms trade. Criminal groups use encrypted communication platforms to organize illegal border crossings to Croatia and Slovenia.
Although Europol’s actions in 2024 have broken up parts of the networks, the smuggling market remains extremely profitable, according to the report. Investigations have revealed an increasing level of cooperation between smugglers from different countries and their associates from the Balkans, with the support of corrupt police officers at the border.
Racketeering, embezzlement and financial crime
It is emphasized that extortion and racketeering are widespread in Sarajevo, Banja Luka and other major cities, and the targets are most often small business owners and restaurateurs. The Greens impose extreme interest rates, and among the participants in these chains there are often members of the police – as debtors, but also as protectors.
The report highlights the systemic character of corruption in BiH, with the participation of politicians and high officials in drug trafficking, embezzlement and illegal exploitation of natural resources. Despite numerous investigations, political influence often blocks prosecution, and key persons escape justice.
Arms trade, counterfeit goods and environmental crime
Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to be a source and transit country for illegal weapons, which, despite export bans, have reportedly appeared in war zones such as Ukraine.
The market for counterfeit goods – mainly clothes, shoes and medicines from Turkey and China – remains widespread, with the involvement of corrupt customs officials. Seizures remain rare compared to neighboring countries.
Illegal logging, gravel mining and coal mining have become profitable businesses for local politicians and tycoons, especially in Herzegovina-Neretva Canton. The report indicates that mayors and municipal officials are often directly involved in issuing illegal concessions, while illegally cut timber is used to launder money through the construction sector.
Drug trafficking
Trafficking in heroin and cocaine is still the basis of organized crime in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The country serves as a transit point for cocaine from South America to Western Europe, while heroin passes through Turkey, Bijeljina and Cazin.
In addition, the production of synthetic drugs such as amphetamines and MDMA is increasing, while the cultivation of cannabis is increasingly common in rural border areas. Despite international actions, violence and corruption associated with the drug trade are still present.
Organized networks and connection with state structures
Although there is no dominant mafia in BiH, the “Tito and Dino” cartel, with operations in the Netherlands and Latin America, has been designated as one of the world’s largest drug trafficking networks.
The report highlights that civil servants, police officers and politicians play a key role in enabling organized crime. It is pointed out that some officials of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Srpska are connected to drug networks, while international sanctions have been imposed on politicians who protect criminal structures and undermine state institutions.
Weak institutions and political divisions
Although BiH has adopted the Strategy for Combating Organized Crime (2023–2026), implementation is slow and uneven due to political divisions, secessionist rhetoric and political influence on the judiciary.
The independence of the judiciary is in decline, and the practice of “buying prison sentences” of up to one year with cash payments further undermines the rule of law and encourages a sense of impunity.
Cooperation with international agencies such as Europol and Interpol exists, but is inconsistent due to political conflicts and weak law enforcement, it said.
Attacks on civil society and the media
In the part related to freedoms and surveillance, the report warns that non-governmental organizations and independent media are under increasing pressure, especially in Republika Srpska, where new laws limit the work of the civil sector.
Journalists who investigate corruption and organized crime are often the target of threats and intimidation, while the financial viability of independent media is becoming increasingly questionable. Freedom of the media and protection of journalists, the report concludes, continue to weaken, it says Bosnia Info.
