Navigating Mediterranean Risks: Safeguarding Your Travelers and Operations in a Popular Destination

Tourist Scams: Scams are widespread, particularly in areas with high foot traffic. These can include:

• Fake Petitions & Distractions: Scammers may use petitions or feigned requests for help to distract and steal from victims.
  
   
• Overpriced Taxis: Unlicensed taxis in cities like Athens and Rome are known to overcharge , and in Istanbul, some taxis manipulate meters or take longer routes.
  
   
• Rigged ATMs: Skimming devices can be used to steal card details. Recommend using ATMs located inside banks when possible, especially in places like Barcelona, Rome, and Istanbul.
  
   

Beach and Resort Crime: Tourists often lower their guard in relaxed settings, making beaches and resorts easy targets for thieves.

• Beach Thefts: Barcelona’s Barceloneta Beach in Spain is known for bag snatching. Amalfi Coast beaches in Italy can see opportunistic thefts , and Mykonos and Santorini beaches in Greece have incidents of unattended bag theft.
  
   
• Hotel Break-Ins: Some areas experience break-ins at hotels, Airbnbs, and rental homes. Advise travelers to always lock doors and windows and store valuables in a safe.
  
   
   

Nightlife-Related Crime: Mediterranean party destinations like Ibiza, Mykonos, and the French Riviera see a rise in crime during the summer nightlife scene.

• Drink Spiking: Spiked drinks can lead to robbery or assault in hotspots such as Ibiza’s Playa d’en Bossa, Mykonos’ Super Paradise Beach Club, and Ayia Napa in Cyprus.
  
   
• Bar and Club Overcharging: Some clubs charge exorbitant fees for drinks or add unexpected charges to bills.
  
   
• Street Robberies: Intoxicated tourists are often targeted for robbery late at night in areas like Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, Naples’ nightlife districts, and Turkey’s Bodrum clubs.
  
   
   

Understanding Organized Crime and Local Gangs

Some areas in the Mediterranean have organized crime operations that target tourists. While most visitors to the Mediterranean experience a trouble-free vacation, organized crime and gang activity do exist in certain regions. These groups often operate behind the scenes but may engage in activities that indirectly affect tourists, such as scams, theft, and illicit trades.

Regional Hotspots for Organized Crime:

• Italy: Home to several organized crime syndicates, the most well-known being the Mafia (Sicilian Cosa Nostra), the Camorra in Naples, and the ‘Ndrangheta in Calabria. While these groups rarely target tourists directly, their presence can influence crime levels. Naples is known for petty crime, street scams, and organized groups targeting tourists , and the Camorra controls much of the city’s illegal activity, with street crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching being common. In Sicily, while the Mafia operates more discreetly today, tourists should still be cautious of scams and corrupt businesses in Palermo and Catania.
  
   
• Spain: Spain’s organized crime scene is heavily linked to tourist-related crime, particularly in Barcelona and the Costa del Sol. Large pickpocketing rings operate in Las Ramblas, the metro, and major attractions in Barcelona. Ibiza and Marbella see drug trafficking and party-related crime linked to organized gangs controlling the clubbing scene.
  
   
• France: While Paris is known for pickpocketing, the southern city of Marseille has long been associated with gang activity. Certain districts in Marseille experience gang violence, but this rarely affects tourists directly. Nice and the French Riviera can attract scammers and sophisticated fraud operations targeting wealthy tourists.
  
   
• Greece: While Greece does not have the same level of organized crime as Italy or Spain, criminal groups do engage in fraud, especially in tourist areas. Syndicates run scams targeting travelers in Monastiraki and Omonia Square in Athens. Luxury resorts, especially in Mykonos, can have issues with extortion and overpriced services linked to criminal groups.
  
   
• Turkey: Turkey’s location makes it a hotspot for smuggling and illicit activities, though these typically do not involve tourists directly. Scams in the Grand Bazaar and Taksim Square in Istanbul, including overcharging tourists, are sometimes linked to organized crime. Resorts in Antalya and Bodrum have seen cases of fraudulent tour operators and nightlife-linked extortion.
  
   

Mitigating Organized Crime Risks

To minimize exposure to organized crime, implement the following precautions for your travelers:

• Avoid Unlicensed Businesses: Be wary of street vendors, unofficial tour guides, and unregulated taxis.
  
   
• Stay in Safe Areas: Research neighborhoods before booking accommodations.
  
   
• Exercise Caution in Nightlife: Stick to reputable venues and monitor drink purchases.
  
   
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you feel unsafe, contact local authorities or your country’s embassy. While organized crime exists in the Mediterranean, it rarely affects tourists directly. However, being aware of the risks and staying cautious can ensure a safer and more enjoyable trip.
  
   

Comprehensive Travel Safety Strategies

Beyond addressing specific crime types, a holistic approach to travel safety is essential for risk management.

Before Travel:

• Research Your Destination: Learn about local customs, laws, and potential safety risks before traveling. Check government travel advisories for up-to-date information on security concerns.
  
   

During Travel:

• Document Security: Carry copies of your passport, visa, and travel insurance documents. Use hotel safes to store important documents and avoid carrying them unnecessarily.
  
   
• Situational Awareness: Be mindful of crowded areas where pickpockets operate. Avoid displaying valuables, such as expensive jewelry or electronics.
  
   
• Secure Transportation: Stick to official taxis, ride-sharing apps, or reputable transport services. Be cautious of public transport in high-crime areas and avoid traveling alone at night.
  
   
• Financial Protection: Use credit cards with fraud protection and notify your bank of your travel plans. Carry a small amount of local currency and keep backup cash in a separate location.
  
   
• Safe Accommodations: Research hotels and rental properties for security features like 24/7 reception and secure locks. Lock windows and doors when inside your accommodation.
  
   
• Stranger Caution: Avoid sharing personal details with strangers or accepting unsolicited help. Be wary of common scams, such as overly friendly locals offering deals or free gifts.
  
   
• Emergency Preparedness: Know the local emergency numbers (112 in most European countries). Have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, theft, and trip cancellations.
  
   
• Trust Your Instincts: If a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself immediately. Stay alert in unfamiliar environments and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
  
   
   

Social Media and Travel Risks

The use of social media while traveling presents unique risks that risk management professionals should highlight.

Privacy Risks:

• Exposing Your Whereabouts: Posting real-time updates or sharing photos from specific locations can reveal your exact whereabouts. Criminals may track your movements and target your home or accommodations for theft. Tip: Wait until after you leave a location to post or limit sharing sensitive details about your travel plans.
  
   
• Alerting Malicious Individuals: Geotagging exposes your exact location, which can alert malicious people to your presence, especially in risky areas. Traveling in politically unstable regions can increase the danger. Tip: Disable geotagging and share updates privately with trusted friends or family.
  
   

Cybersecurity Threats:

• Public Wi-Fi Vulnerabilities: Public Wi-Fi networks in places like cafes and airports are often unsecured, making them a target for hackers. Cybercriminals can intercept your data, including passwords and sensitive information. Tip: Use a VPN when accessing social media or other sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi.
  
   
• Data Theft: Social media platforms collect personal data that can be exploited by criminals. Sharing too much information, like travel plans or accommodation details, can make you vulnerable to identity theft. Tip: Limit what you share online and adjust your privacy settings to protect personal information.
  
   

Other Considerations:

• Cultural Sensitivity: Different countries have varying rules regarding social media usage, and what is acceptable in one country may be offensive or illegal in another. Posting politically sensitive or culturally inappropriate content can result in serious consequences. Tip: Research local cultural norms and legal expectations before posting, and avoid sensitive topics.
  
   
• Your Digital Footprint: Social media posts can stay online indefinitely, leaving a permanent digital footprint. Your online presence may affect future job prospects, educational opportunities, or even security clearances. Tip: Be mindful of the content you post to protect your long-term reputation.
  
   
• Travel Scams: Scammers may use social media to target tourists, using information about your location, travel plans, or personal interests. Posting about expensive items or vulnerable situations can make you a prime target for fraud. Tip: Avoid oversharing details about your travel activities and purchases to reduce the risk of scams.
  
   

Conclusion

While crime is present in the Mediterranean, most travelers have safe and enjoyable trips by staying aware and taking necessary precautions. By understanding the risks and following basic safety tips, you can explore the beauty and culture of the Mediterranean with peace of mind. Many risk management consulting firms provide services related to safety and security, including journey management, executive protection, training of clients’ staff in security awareness, and building a proactive security culture. These services can include travel advice, airport facilitation, secure ground transportation, executive protection, residential security (both whilst overseas, and securing your home whilst you travel), evacuation plans, and super yacht security.