St. Kitts and Nevis

People

Human trafficking is not uncommon, particularly within immigrant communities, despite a lack of formal reporting. The country appears to serve as both a transit and destination point, with accounts of foreign traffickers using its territorial waters for transport. However, the overall scale and impact of the human trafficking market remain limited.

In contrast, human smuggling is an expanding criminal enterprise, exacerbated by regional instability, including economic and security challenges in Haiti. St. Kitts and Nevis primarily serves as a transit point, with smuggled individuals arriving from neighbouring Caribbean nations and West Africa. Authorities have previously identified cases where smugglers exploited victims through various schemes, often working with facilitators to transport them by boat. Recent incidents include capsized boats carrying West African migrants, resulting in arrests and investigations.

Unverified reports suggest the presence of extortion activity in a community in the capital, Basseterre, where business owners are allegedly pressured to make regular payments to avoid break-ins. While some individuals have pointed to specific businesses as targets and linked recent youth violence to extortion, there is little evidence to confirm these claims. Overall, there is minimal indication of a structured extortion or protection racket tied to organized crime in the country.

Trade

The growing use of illegal firearms in St. Kitts and Nevis reflects a broader regional challenge of arms trafficking across the Caribbean. Despite its small population, the country has a notably high homicide rate, with local gangs reportedly sourcing weapons from US-based traffickers. Firearms are smuggled through shipping firms, airlines and postal services, often concealed within routine shipments. Authorities recently seized untraceable homemade firearms, known as ‘ghost guns,’ assembled from prefabricated parts. A rise in gun violence, particularly in gang-related incidents in central Basseterre, has exacerbated the distribution of illicit firearms.

While limited in scale, the counterfeit goods trade also exists in St. Kitts and Nevis, primarily driven by tourism. Replica luxury items, especially fake watches, are common. There has also been a noticeable increase in counterfeit alcoholic beverages, though their overall impact appears minimal. Similarly, the illicit trade in excise goods, such as alcohol and cigarettes, is present but not considered significant. However, the lack of detailed data on the scale, origins and dynamics of these markets makes it difficult to fully assess their impact.

Environment

There is no evidence of a market for flora-related crimes in St. Kitts and Nevis. As for fauna crimes, while there have been no recent reports of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing or poaching of adult turtles and their eggs, these species remain at risk due to poaching, overfishing and bycatch. There is no indication of organized group involvement, suggesting the absence of a structured wildlife criminal market.

There is also no evidence of a criminal market for non-renewable resources. However, risks remain, including the potential use of precious metals and gems for money laundering and concerns about illegal sand mining. Despite these risks, there is no indication of organized crime involvement in these activities.

Drugs

There is no evidence of a heroin trade in St. Kitts and Nevis. Heroin use remains minimal and is primarily limited to visiting tourists, with little criminal activity reported. In contrast, the cocaine trade is prevalent, with the country serving primarily as a transit point for cocaine trafficked from South America to the US and Europe, as well as for limited local demand within the Eastern Caribbean. Criminal networks and foreign actors dominate the market, with violence and gang activity linked to the trade. Cocaine is often concealed in vessels and goods to evade detection.

The cannabis trade is closely tied to the cocaine market. Local marijuana cultivation is primarily for domestic use, including recreational, medicinal and religious purposes. The country serves as a trans-shipment point for cannabis to North America, Europe and the rest of the Caribbean. Law enforcement has reported increasing seizures of high-grade marijuana from the US and Canada. Lastly, there is no evidence of synthetic drug production or trafficking in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Cyber-dependent crimes

Cyber-dependent crime is not widespread in St. Kitts and Nevis, with only isolated incidents such as ransomware attacks and cryptocurrency scams targeting public institutions and individuals. Although the market remains limited, the country’s ongoing digitalization underscores the growing need for proactive measures address emerging cyber threats.

Financial Crimes

Fraud is relatively common and includes pyramid schemes, fake promotions and forex scams, which often target both businesses and vulnerable individuals – especially the elderly. These schemes frequently involve foreign actors, notably from Nigeria and Jamaica. Additionally, St. Kitts and Nevis’ Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme has drawn scrutiny over insufficient vetting procedures, which have reportedly allowed financial criminals to exploit the system for international illicit activities.

Criminal Actors

St. Kitts and Nevis does not appear to have mafia-style organizations, but loosely organized gangs continue to engage in criminal activity. These groups operate within specific areas, are often armed and contribute to localized violence. Their activities primarily involve the cocaine trade, human trafficking, smuggling and arms trafficking. While specific data on the scale of gang activity is limited, qualitative sources suggest a notable presence of organized criminal groups with connections to broader Caribbean and South American criminal operations. The level of violence associated with these organizations ranges from low to medium.

There are some concerns about the involvement of state officials in criminal markets, particularly financial crimes. St. Kitts and Nevis has faced scandals related to its CBI programme, including allegations of mismanagement of funds and kickbacks to officials.

The presence of foreign actors in the country highlights the intersection of local and international criminal activities. Transnational criminal groups, including West Africans and occasional Eastern Europeans such as Bulgarians and Romanians, are active in cybercrime activities within St. Kitts and Nevis. Additionally, the country’s CBI programme has raised concerns over certain Chinese nationals – particularly those with questionable financial backgrounds or allegations of fraud and corruption – potentially influencing local governments. However, there is no evidence linking traditional organized crime groups to these activities.

Lastly, while there is no evidence linking private-sector actors in St. Kitts and Nevis to criminal activity, particularly money laundering activities, the involvement of newly established fintech companies has raised concerns about the potential use of private entities for fraudulent activities.

Leadership and governance

St. Kitts and Nevis continues to demonstrate strong performance in areas such as political stability, government effectiveness and adherence to the rule of law. However, the country still faces challenges, including high levels of violent crime, corruption and limited transparency. In response, the government has adopted a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to crime, focusing on organized crime, illegal firearms and community engagement. This includes a national security strategy with increased police presence and crime prevention initiatives.

While the country has criminal penalties for government corruption and laws are generally enforced, occasional reports suggest that corruption remains a concern. The government has acknowledged financial oversight issues regarding the CBI programme, prompting consultations to enhance security; however, transparency around CBI activities remains limited. To improve governance and accountability, the government passed a Freedom of Information Act in 2023, allowing citizens to request government-related information.

St. Kitts and Nevis has ratified major international treaties on organized crime, including the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its protocols, the Arms Trade Treaty and various Inter-American Conventions. The country collaborates with global and regional law enforcement agencies such as INTERPOL, the US Drug Enforcement Administration and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is also a member of the UN Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean, which helps the country implement a national action plan to control the illicit proliferation of firearms, enhance stockpile management and prevent weapons diversion.

Domestically, St. Kitts and Nevis’ legal framework includes laws addressing organized crime, such as the Organized Crime (Prevention and Control) Act and the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Act. The country also has a National Crime Reduction and Prevention Strategy and an early warning system to track emerging drug threats. Despite robust laws, the CBI programme and weak offshore company regulations enable criminal organizations to operate. In 2024, the government passed several new bills – including the Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Bill, the INTERPOL Cooperation Bill and the Ombudsman (Amendment) Bill – aimed at combating transnational crime, improving governance and protecting migrant rights.

Criminal justice and security

St. Kitts and Nevis maintains an independent judiciary, with the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court as the highest court, and a right of appeal to the Caribbean Court of Justice or the Privy Council. While the country upholds due process rights, challenges remain, including extended pretrial detentions. While two overcrowded prisons exist, officials emphasize humane treatment and successful rehabilitation programmes aimed at reintegrating inmates. Despite security upgrades, contraband smuggling persists in correctional facilities, with regular discoveries of drugs, weapons and cell phones. The country continues its efforts to address prison security while focusing on rehabilitative initiatives and reducing recidivism through educational and vocational programmes.

The country’s security forces include a police force, with specialized units such as the Special Services Unit and the White-Collar Crimes Unit, that operates under the Ministry of National Security. Their responsibilities include maintaining internal security, border enforcement and addressing drug-related crimes. The country participates in various regional and international training programmes, including those by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and INTERPOL. Efforts to combat crime include increased police visibility, community outreach and investments in surveillance capabilities. Notable initiatives have included expanding police infrastructure, upgrading training facilities and enhancing police patrols. In response to rising crime, the government suspended police leave in August 2024 to boost the presence of law enforcement.

Despite its inherent vulnerabilities to organized crime, St. Kitts and Nevis remains largely effective in policing its borders. To strengthen border control and drug interdiction efforts, the country has implemented a national security strategy aimed at enhancing inter-agency cooperation and intelligence sharing, particularly targeting drug-related crimes. In August 2024, the government launched the patrol vessel Prosperity to bolster maritime security, combat illegal fishing and human trafficking, and safeguard marine resources – aligning with national efforts to address transnational crime and support sustainable livelihoods.

Economic and financial environment

St. Kitts and Nevis has strengthened its legislative framework to combat money laundering linked to drug trafficking. Key laws address anti-money laundering, financial services and the financing of weapons of mass destruction. The country operates a Financial Intelligence Unit and participates in regional information-sharing systems to investigate money laundering cases. Financial institutions are mandated to report suspicious transactions, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions receives training to support prosecutions related to money laundering and related crimes.

The country’s economy relies on tourism, the CBI programme and offshore banking. Investment proposals are reviewed by the St. Kitts and Nevis Investment Promotion Agency and the Nevis Island Administration to ensure alignment with national interests. Businesses must register with multiple government bodies; however, the registration process is flexible and does not require attorney involvement. St. Kitts and Nevis’ involvement in the Caribbean Basin Initiative promotes economic diversification and private sector growth, while use of the Eastern Caribbean Dollar – pegged to the US dollar – provides economic stability. The country is seen as welcoming to foreign investment, with strong financial reporting and audit practices in place.

Civil society and social protection

The police force has a victim support unit for those affected by physical, domestic and sexual abuse. Training programmes have been provided to government and civil society stakeholders to address trafficking in persons, with a focus on victim-centred approaches. In 2024, the country participated in a regional forum on trafficking, which promoted interagency collaboration and gender-sensitive responses. However, authorities have cited cost concerns, while victims often left the country, indicating inadequacies in existing protections. Despite high homicide rates and threats to victims, St. Kitts and Nevis lacks a formal witness protection programme.

To strengthen crime preventative, St. Kitts and Nevis began expanding its national closed-circuit television monitoring system, starting in McKnight, with plans for nationwide implementation. The police force also suspended officers leave to increase community patrols. The government emphasizes the need for societal collaboration alongside law enforcement efforts, encouraging citizens to report suspicious activities, with financial rewards offered for information leading to arrests. An anti-crime campaign launched in late 2024 contributed to a noticeable reduction in overall crime and a significant decrease in firearm-related homicides. A national drug plan is also in development to address substance abuse, though concerns remain regarding the effectiveness of interventions to reduce gang membership and criminal behaviour. While local NGOs collaborate with law enforcement to improve support services, civil society’s role in combating organized crime and supporting victims remains limited.

While freedom of expression is constitutionally protected and press freedom is largely respected, the state’s ownership of the only local television station restricts access by the opposition. Meanwhile, defamation is criminalized, leading some journalists to practise self-censorship, though radio news remains active and pluralistic. The government does not restrict internet access or monitor private online communications without legal authorization.