ERITREA

Tackling transnational crime in Eritrea

Eritrea lies in the Horn of Africa, bordering Ethiopia, Sudan, and Djibouti, with more than 1,200 km of Red Sea coastline and over 350 islands. Its position near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait places it along one of the world’s key maritime routes linking Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

While Eritrea does not host major domestic criminal syndicates, it faces significant threats from transnational organized crime, particularly in:

• Human trafficking and migrant smuggling along irregular migration routes;
• Wildlife trafficking, illegal logging and charcoal production, which damage local ecosystems and feed wider environmental crime networks;
• Illicit trade and smuggling, exploiting the region’s complex geography and porous borders.

National law enforcement agencies work to address these challenges, recognizing their regional and global impact. INTERPOL supports Eritrea in strengthening operational capacity, cross-border cooperation, and the protection of natural resources and national security.

INTERPOL in Eritrea

The INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Asmara is part of the Eritrean Police Force and operates under the Department of Research and Planning. All staff assigned to the NCB are serving police officers.

NCB Asmara is Eritrea’s official gateway to INTERPOL’s global network and coordinates between national law enforcement and international partners. Its core functions include:

• Coordinating international police cooperation, receiving and transmitting requests between INTERPOL and Eritrean authorities for timely and effective responses;
• Leading Eritrea’s participation in INTERPOL-led operations, especially on environmental crime, cross-border trafficking and regional security issues;
• Facilitating criminal intelligence sharing and contributing to joint efforts that reinforce both national capacity and regional stability.

Through NCB Asmara, Eritrea remains engaged in the global law-enforcement community, while ensuring that cooperation aligns with national priorities and operational needs.

National law enforcement in Eritrea

Eritrea’s law enforcement is carried out by the national police and security forces under a centralized command. Their mandate covers crime prevention, detection and investigation throughout the country, with an emphasis on early intervention and deterrence.

All international policing cooperation is channelled through NCB Asmara, ensuring that Eritrea’s national enforcement efforts are coordinated with regional and global security frameworks.