The Illicit Traffic in Diamonds

• In Event: Criminal Markets: Piracy, Diamonds, Gambling and Counterfeit Goods

Abstract

The illicit traffic in diamonds has financed wars and precipitated human rights violations in nations such as Angola, the Central African Republic, Sierra Leone, and Zimbabwe. This article provides a synthesis of the so-called "conflict diamond" trade, and includes a description of supply chains and the complicity of military officials, corporations, and mercenaries. The process of due diligence by commercial entities involved in the diamond industry is provided as a potential solution.

Author

• Donald Liddick, Penn State-Fayette