Maritime Crime and the Black Sea

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Questions and Answers

What is the percentage of the planet covered by oceans and seas?

40%

90%

72% (correct)

60%

Which type of crime involves the illegal transportation of goods across maritime boundaries?

Cyber Crimes

Commodity Trafficking (correct)

Environmental Crimes

Irregular Migration

Which factor is NOT mentioned as a characteristic of the Black Sea Basin?

Low Welfare

High Poverty

Fluid Power Dynamics

High Educational Attainment (correct)

What is the main illicit activity suggested by the terms 'RIP-ON/RIP-OFF' in maritime crime?

Switching legitimate goods within a container Signup and view all the answers

Which geographical feature is NOT associated with the Black Sea?

Nile River Signup and view all the answers

How does cyber crime manifest in the maritime domain?

By manipulating vessel navigation systems Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following regions is NOT considered part of the geopolitical context of the Black Sea?

NAFTA Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the world’s population lives within 100 km of the coast?

40% Signup and view all the answers

What is spoofing in the context of cyber attacks?

Disguising a communication from an unknown source as being from a known source Signup and view all the answers

Which type of crime occurs when unauthorized entry into a country is made?

Irregular Migration Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about IUU fishing is true?

There are 180 fish species, some of which are commercially valuable Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes 'piracy' from 'armed robbery'?

Piracy occurs in international waters or outside any state's jurisdiction Signup and view all the answers

What is a sustainable solution within the context of maritime crime?

Implementing a holistic approach to security challenges Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following initiatives are involved in the EU Black Sea cooperation?

Ground-Up and stakeholder driven approach Signup and view all the answers

Which area is emphasized in developing the blue economy?

Trade and Commerce Signup and view all the answers

What challenge does the maritime domain represent according to the conclusion?

It has a complex security environment Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Maritime Crime Overview

Maritime crime encompasses various illicit activities within the maritime domain
The maritime domain includes all areas adjacent to sea, oceans, waterways, and related activities, infrastructure, people, cargo, and vessels
A significant portion of the world's trade (~90%) and population (~40% within 100km of the coast) is situated near the maritime domain
The area covers ~72% of the earth's surface

Illicit Activities

Commodity Trafficking: Movement of illegal goods, often using shipping containers or other methods for transit
Irregular Migration: Individuals entering a country without authorization (often at sea), involving human trafficking/smuggling
Cyber Crime: Online attacks on maritime systems (e.g., spoofing ships' locations using GPS signals)
Environmental Crimes: Illegal fishing practices (IUU Fishing), pollution, or related offenses in the maritime domain
Piracy and Armed Robbery: Attacks on ships in international or territorial waters

Case Study: Black Sea

Culture: Influenced by Europe, Russia, and the Middle East
Geography: Key waterways (e.g., Dnieper, Danube, Don Rivers, Turkish Straits)
Geopolitics: Involvement of different geopolitical alliances (e.g., EU, NATO, CIS, BRI)
Protracted Conflicts: Historical/ongoing issues such as Transnistria, Nagorno-Karabakh, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Crimea, and Donbas have created instability
Characteristics: High poverty, income inequality, low welfare, and shifting power dynamics are key factors

Modus Operandi (Methods)

Rip-on/Rip-off: Taking goods using fraudulent activities
Switching: Replacing legitimate cargo
Container Structure/Vessels: concealing goods inside legitimate shipping or commercial vessels
Inflatable/Speed Boats: Used for fast transport and covert operations
Underwater Attachments: Securing goods underwater and/or concealing activity
Semi-Submersibles: Large underwater vehicles able to avoid detection

Opioid Trafficking

Afghanistan accounts for a large proportion of global opium production
There are an estimated 3.1 million opioid users in Europe

Cyber Attacks

Spoofing: Cyberattacks that impersonate a known source/location
GPS Spoofing: Changing or faking location data for vessels using GPS signals
Software Defined Radios (SDR): Low-cost devices used to spoof, making detection and prevention more challenging

Sustainable Solutions

The diagram shows an interconnected approach to maritime security that considers economic, social, and environmental aspects
It emphasizes the development of a "Blue Economy," which includes aspects like creating energy, developing fishing and aquaculture, supporting coastal tourism, and fostering trade and commerce
To achieve this, international organizations/countries need to collaborate on policies and measures

Discussion Questions

How do new technologies affect maritime security?
What factors hinder collaboration amongst countries in areas where geopolitical tensions exist?
How can criminals adapt in maritime operations when facing law enforcement solutions?

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Description

Test your knowledge of maritime crime, the geopolitical context of the Black Sea, and environmental concerns related to oceans. This quiz includes questions on various facets of maritime activities, cybercrime, and specific characteristics of the Black Sea Basin. Challenge yourself to see how well you understand these complex topics.