The problem of organized crime and contraband trade through Abkhazia and South Ossetia is closely connected to the problem of separatism, unresolved armed conflicts, violence in these regions, and uncontrolled borders. Smuggling through these regions takes place in an atmosphere of violence, assassinations, kidnappings, hostage takings, and other serious crimes.

These problems are difficult to resolve due to the inability of the Georgian and secessionist governments to agree on the political status of these territories and Russia's intention to use unresolved conflicts as a lever of political pressure on Georgia to prevent it joining NATO, with the design to return it under Russian sphere of influence.

Crime groups operate in the Gali district of Abkhazia and in South Ossetia. Goods flowing in either direction from Russia, Turkey or any other country through the territory of Abkhazia or South Ossetia into Georgia are protected through a system of bribes and mutual sharing of influential government officials within the secessionist territories.

Uncontrolled maritime communication with Abkhazia and use of uncontrolled land border check points on Psoy River in Abkhazia and Roki Tunnel in South Ossetia create favorable conditions for human trafficking, illegal migration, and servitude.

All main actors (separatist governments, law enforcement bodies, crime groups, and Russian peacekeepers), along with their links to other groups or individuals, compose a successful smuggling network that operates with near impunity involving poor people in the contraband trade.

According to the US Department of State, Georgian women and girls are “trafficked primarily to Turkey and the U.A.E. for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation. Women and girls from Ukraine, Moldova, Russia, and other former Soviet states are trafficked through Georgia to Turkey, Greece, the U.A.E., and Western Europe. Men are trafficked for the purpose of forced labor. Victims are also trafficked for the purpose of forced labor in the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.