The illegal sand trade has become the world’s third largest criminal enterprise, with estimates suggesting that between 200-350 billion dollars’ worth of sand is traded globally every year. However, some experts believe that these numbers may be slightly exaggerated due to the inclusion of gravel in the calculations. Nonetheless, even more conservative figures place the turnover of illegal sand trade at around $50-100 billion. In euros, this translates to a significant amount of money, exceeding 50 billion euros.
Organized crime syndicates, often referred to as the sand mafia, are heavily involved in the illegal digging and transportation of sand. These criminal organizations resort to violent means, with reports of murders linked to sand mafias in countries like India. The illegal sand trade is prevalent in various regions including Southeast Asia, China’s coastal areas, North Korea, and Morocco.
Although the exact figures regarding the global sand trade remain uncertain, estimates suggest that around 10-15 billion tons of sand are moved annually. Taking into account the prices of sand in different markets, the turnover of the illegal sand trade is believed to be in the range of 50-100 billion dollars. Retail prices for sand can be significantly higher, contributing to the substantial profits generated by the illicit sand business.
The economic impact of this criminal activity is substantial, with organized crime syndicates generating profits that rival those generated by product counterfeiting and drug trafficking. Despite varying estimates and uncertainties surrounding the illegal sand trade, it is clear that this illicit industry poses a significant threat to economies worldwide and highlights the need for concerted efforts to combat it.
