My sixth paper for @GI_TOC has just gone live!

It takes a deep dive into Al-Shabaab's checkpoint 'taxation' system, drawing on over 800 'tax' receipts issued by al-Shabaab tax officials from July 2015 – Oct 2021. (thread) #Somalia

👇
globalinitiative.net/analysis/al-sh… Such a large body of data allowed unique insights into Al-Shabaab's taxation practices. We were able to analyze tax rates over time and across different transportation routes.

A recent development in the saga of the Marwan 1, an IUU fishing vessel that once was part of the "Somali 7" slave-fishing operation detailed by @ian_urbina.

A few days ago, it was caught smuggling weapons and ammunition. (thread)

navy.mil/Press-Office/N… On 1 Dec 22, the Marwan 1 was interdicted by the USS Lewis B. Puller in the Gulf of #Oman. Onboard were >1 million rounds of 7.62mm ammo; 25,000 rounds of 12.7mm ammo; nearly 7,000 proximity fuses for rockets; and over 2,100 kg of RPG propellant.

My fifth paper for @GI_TOC has just gone live!

Over eight months, we catalogued 425 weapons and over 3,200 rounds of ammunition in 13 illicit markets across #Somalia.

(thread)

globalinitiative.net/analysis/somal… The research showed that assault rifles were priced approx. $90 higher in southern Somalia than in the north.

The pricing data constitutes tentative corroborating evidence of a north-south illicit supply chain, with weapons becoming more expensive the further south they travel.

My latest research on illegal fishing in #Somalia has just been published in @GI_TOC's Risk Bulletin #22.

It details the activities of the Liao Dong Yu vessels, a fleet of Chinese trawlers that have been pillaging northern Somali waters since at least early 2020.

(thread) The Liao Dong Yu vessels are operated by Liaoning Daping Fishery Group, based in Dandong, #China.

Many abuse allegations surround the vessels, incl forced labour practices, deadly working conditions and ~20 violations of Somali and Chinese fisheries laws and regs.

My fourth paper for @GI_TOC has just gone live.

It describes how guns (specifically, Type 56-1 rifles) supplied by #Iran to the #Houthis are turning up all over #Somalia.

Some highlights 👇 (thread)

globalinitiative.net/analysis/iran-… @GI_TOC field researchers documented over 400 weapons in illicit markets across #Somalia. Almost 10% of these consisted of Type 56-1 rifles believed to have originated in arms transfers from Iran to the Houthis.

My third paper for @GI_TOC has gone live today.

It details illegal fishing practices in #Somalia and the capture of state institutions by illicit networks. (thread)

Many thanks to @ian_urbina // @OutlawOcean and @C4ADS for their assistance!

globalinitiative.net/analysis/illeg… The report presents three case studies to illustrate the intersection between illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing networks and state corruption:

In December 2020, less than a month and a half before a highly volatile electoral process was supposed to take place in #Somalia, Turkey delivered 1,000 G3 rifles and 90,000 rounds of ammunition to the Somali federal government. The materiel was intended for use by the Turkish-trained Haramcad ("Cheetah") special police unit.

The Financial Governance Committee (#FGC) has issued a damning advisory note concerning the #FGS Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources' (MPMR's) oil & gas licensing efforts.

Current approach provides "poor value for money...that may last for 40 years or more."

(thread) The FGC raises concerns over "incomplete compliance with the FGS legal framework, and inadequate protection of FGS’s financial interests." Current MPMR approach risks "future legal and/or compensation claims against FGS."

My second paper for @GI_TOC has just gone live.

It presents the first evidence of a criminal network based in #Somalia involved in the transfer of arms from #Iran to the #Houthis.

Some highlights (thread):

globalinitiative.net/analysis/iran-… The dhow Al Bari 2 was seized in the Gulf of Aden by the #Saudi Navy on 24 June 2020. It was discovered to be carrying a consignment of arms reportedly destined for the #Houthi administration in #Yemen.

Here's a full list of the seizure contents:

@GI_TOC issued a detailed statement earlier today in response to Amal Express's claims (attached below). But in my personal capacity as the author of the report, I will respond here with some additional thoughts.

(1/14)

https://twitter.com/khadarHared/status/1315215422862618624

In its 9 October 2020 press release, Amal Express disputed the authenticity of an October 2019 remittance receipt published in my report. The receipt detailed the transfer of $19,500 by an arms dealer in Bosaso to an individual under US Treasury (OFAC) sanction. (2/14)