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Purpose Corruption is one of the main facilitators of increased wildlife crime in South Africa. It is important to look at the current legislative framework to determine how wildlife crime can be combated effectively. This paper aims to provide an analysis of the process of wildlife crime, focusing on wildlife poaching and trafficking role players and critically analyses the legislation in place to combat the phenomenon. Design/methodology/approach A critical analysis of existing literature such as case law, legislation, peer-reviewed publications and electronic articles was used to identify the legislation and processes for the prevention of wildlife crime in South Africa. Common denominators were identified in these sources to provide a baseline for examining wildlife crime. Findings Wildlife criminals rely extensively on corruption during all facets of their trafficking schemes. The use of traditional environmental laws is not effective in dismantling wildlife trafficking networks, as prosecuting those in the upper echelons is often challenging. The extensive reliance on corruption during all facets of wildlife trafficking provides an opportunity for law enforcement to use such corruption crimes as predicate offences in racketeering prosecutions, thus ensuring kingpins find it more difficult to escape prosecution, owing to their involvement in criminal enterprises that sustain themselves through patterns of racketeering. Originality/value This paper contributes knowledge to narrow the research gap with regard to wildlife criminals and how they function. It also addresses possibilities to improve prosecution and disrupt wildlife trafficking networks.

Purpose Illicit enrichment refers to the unjustified increase in the assets of a public official. Criminalisation of illicit enrichment is required under Article 20 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, and as a State Party, South Africa is thus expected to deal effectively with illicit enrichment as an offence. This paper aims to address different approaches of various jurisdictions to deal with illicit enrichment and discusses the elements of the crime, drawing on a South African perspective, to determine how illicit enrichment can be criminalised in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach The research methodology used was a critical analysis of the definition and elements of the crime, as well as the global action taken to implement this offence. A comparative analysis was used to compare international frameworks with those of South Africa to conclude on the practicality and challenges of introducing the offence of illicit enrichment. Findings It was found that an element of the crime, in particular the lack of justification, has been a primary point of criticism, as it is claimed that illicit enrichment laws reverse the burden of proof when an accused is required to prove the legitimacy of his or her assets. However, this issue is not insurmountable in the South African context, and the paper concludes that the criminalisation of illicit enrichment is possible, as South Africa possesses the necessary legislation and case law to support such measure. Originality/value This paper contributes to the scholarly research on criminalising illicit enrichment in South Africa.

Purpose This paper aims to focus on the use of unexplained wealth orders (UWOs) in South Africa as a civil method to act upon lifestyle audit results that have indicated wealth from unknown, possibly unlawful, sources. Design/methodology/approach This paper applied a comparative methodology. Legislation and the application of UWOs in Ireland, the UK and Australia were compared with the situation in South Africa. Findings It is proposed that South Africa includes UWO legislation within its Prevention of Organised Crime Act or be established as a separate piece of legislation. Also, South Africa should follow both the civil and criminal route to target the proceeds of crime. Originality/value Corruption in South Africa is rampant and, without the necessary legislation, impossible to fight. For these purposes, this paper proposes measures to be used from a civil forfeiture perspective.

Purpose President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his 2018 State of the Nation Address, stated that “Thieves who are stealing public funds should be arrested and prosecuted”, and called for lifestyle audits of public-sector employees. The gross misuse of COVID-19 relief funds by public officials indicated the urgent need to execute these audits as an anti-corruption measure. This paper aims to provide a review of the existing state of affairs with regard to the application of lifestyle audits in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach This paper critically analyses the literature available on the current position of South Africa concerning lifestyle audits in the public sector, based on the mandates of some of the anti-corruption agencies that could be responsible for the conducting and processing of such audits. Findings South Africa has only recently seen a framework for applying lifestyle audits, developed by the Department of Public Service and Administration. Although these first steps in developing a standard practice are laudable, the practical process of dealing with misconduct and/or criminal matters remains to be seen. It is recommended that South Africa consider a legislative approach to dealing with unlawfully obtained wealth by either criminalising the act of illicit enrichment (per the United Nations Convention Against Corruption) or creating an Unexplained Wealth Order, as seen, for example, in the UK. Originality/value South Africa is in dire need of addressing corruption in the public sector. Despite lifestyle audits being called for, the lack of proper implementation is negating any positive outcomes. Therefore, alternative solutions should be investigated.

South Africa’s illicit cigarette trade is not merely large and growing but outperforms the legitimate sale of tobacco products. Extensive criminal networks operate it, it deprives the state of tax revenue, and although the measures are in place to curb the problem, they are proving to be unequal to the task. The inability of South African authorities to effectively regulate this grey market (where the legal and illegal coincide), paired with its outdated approach, is the kindling that feeds this illicit trade’s flame. This article describes the current scale and nature of the illicit cigarette trade and evaluates the attempts to combat it in South Africa. We conclude with recommendations on measures the state, commerce and legal authorities could take to confront the problem with a reasonable chance of success. 

Purpose This paper aims to provide a holistic view of infiltration behaviour by organised crime groups (OCGs), with a specific focus on the methods used to access the legal market, including factors that drive an organised crime group to pursue infiltration. The act of infiltration is examined as a business decision; therefore, factors such as the surrounding community, the availability of criminal opportunities and broader implications, are considered. Design/methodology/approach Initially, the concept of an organised crime group is explored by, where possible, identifying trends in behaviour and structure. The act of infiltration is dissected, including the infiltration behaviour of OCGs and their related decision-making processes. Findings Infiltration actions are complex; therefore, any countervailing combatting and preventative actions will need to follow suit. OCGs pursue infiltration only when deemed feasible and to their benefit in furthering their illicit actions. Criminal opportunities are pursued across the entire economic sector. When these groups participate in a legal market, their criminality infects the healthy market and leaves it ill and contagious to the rest of the licit economy. Originality/value Infiltration is organic, as it indicates growth or adjustment to changing market conditions. Criminal opportunities are widespread, and their creation is often unintentional–the legal economy casts a shadow. Combatting organised crime, entrenched in the lawful community, requires that the focus should be on the susceptibility of potential infiltration targets through the possible infiltration methods. Furthermore, a broader perspective is needed when considering the underlying motivation for infiltration–it may not only be to generate profit.