UNCLASSIFIED

MEMORANDUM

DATE:01/27/2013

TO:DS/DSS/TIA/OSAC

FROM: RSO Ashgabat, Zach Zittle

SUBJECT:OSAC Crime and Safety Report

Section I: Overall Crime and Safety Situation: A general overview of the crime and safety threats facing the U.S. private sector community in-country, including major cities covered by Post.

The Government of Turkmenistan does not publish crime statistics. The information herein is based on unofficial, albeit somewhat reliable, sources and reporting. On a scale of low, medium, high and critical, the current crime rating for Ashgabat, Turkmenistan is Medium. Micro Districts five and six are known amongst the locals to have higher rates of crime.

  1. Crime threats: violent crime (examples include: homicides, sexual assaults, personal robberies, residential break-ins, etc.), non-violent crimes (examples include: financial scams, vehicle thefts, petty drug crimes, etc.); please provide updated statistics if available:

Violent crimes, to include instances of rape and murder, occur in Turkmenistan. The unofficial murder rate in Ashgabat is said to be one per week. Violent crimes are often linked to the trade and use of narcotics and tend to affect the local population more so than foreigners. With that said, women in isolated surroundings may be at an increased risk for harassment and/or assault.

Residential break-ins and burglaries also occur in Ashgabat. The number of local nationals who store their financial savings at home is a contributing factor. Even though burglary incidents amongst the expatriate community are low, good residential security measures are recommended.

Alcohol related incidents—bar fights and drunk driving—are common. Prostitution, although widespread at many of the drinking establishments, is illegal. In Ashgabat—and this list is not all encompassing—many foreigners are solicited at the British Pub, the Grand Turkmen Hotel, the disco clubs at the Ak Altyn Hotel and Kopetdag restaurant (the Just Club), the bar on the top floor of the President Hoteland at the City Pub. Law enforcement entities are known for conducting prostitution raids at local establishments.

Crimes of opportunity against foreigners, who are often perceived as wealthy, occur. Petty thieves tend to operate on buses during rush hour and in crowded environments such as bazaars. With that said,security assets are prevalent on the streets in most major Turkmen cities. Their presence plays a significant role in deterring petty crime. Unfortunately, the role played by security assets does not extend far beyond its deterring attribute.

For this reason, asafety concern for foreigners living in Turkmenistan is the local law enforcement’s inability to provide adequate or timely assistance. Substandardsalaries and training opportunities contribute to corrupt practices and a lack of professionalism. Security assetsare not authorized to take proactive measures or practice the discretion to make independent decisions. Also, many security assets speak only Turkmen, which makes it difficult for many foreigners to communicate with them.

Another factor to consider is that the media in Turkmenistan is state owned and operated. Infrequent public outreach makes it difficult for the average citizen to receive current/accurate information to make informed decisions regarding personal safety. Visitors are encouraged to practice good situational awareness.

Weapon laws in Turkmenistan are very strict. A limited number of security personnel are authorized to carry handguns. Civilians are authorized to carry only hunting rifles, but theymust first apply for a license. The process includes a psychiatric evaluation and doctor’s statement confirming the applicant is not addicted to narcotics. Once the application is approved, the gun owner must register the weapon with the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Rifle owners must store weapons in a safe and separate from ammunition. Approximately once every six months, homes of gun owners are inspected to ensure compliance. Gun crimes occur, but are extremely rare.

Lastly, the instability in Afghanistan and Pakistan negatively impacts the fluid security situation in Central Asia as a whole. Afghan and Iranian opium is shipped through Turkmenistan to Russia and Europe. Money laundering in Turkmenistan involves proceeds from the illegal drug trade.

Section II: Overall Road Safety Situation: A general overview of road conditions and road safety throughout the country, including metropolitan and rural locations.

Even though most city streets are well manicured and well lit, especially in Ashgabat, the highway infrastructure in Turkmenistan is extremely poor. Some highways leading out of Ashgabat have been recently widened and paved, but most are narrow with little or no shoulder.

  1. Road safety and road conditions (examples include: general road conditions, night time driving conditions, vehicular-related accidents, cargo/transportation theft, traffic law enforcement, public transportation safety, including airline, ferry, train, bus safety):

The streets outside the city are uneven and covered with large potholes. Slow moving trucks and agricultural vehicles, as well as livestock/camels crossing roads, add to the danger. Erratic driving and car accidents are common. Since roads outside the city are not lit, driving at night is perilous and therefore not recommended.

Travel to, from and within Turkmenistan remains difficult and unreliable. Neighboring countries may unilaterally close borders with no advance warning.

When driving in Turkmenistan, extra care should be taken to avoid hitting pedestrians. Pedestrians routinely step into the street without looking or walk or stand in the middle of the road on unlit streets at night. Reflective clothing is rarely used. Drivers should notassume pedestrians are able to see or will yield to an oncoming vehicle. Visitor-pedestrians walking across a street or intersection should never assume the right of way and should use pedestrian underpasses when available. The local population rarely utilizes the pedestrian underpasses, usually choosing instead to cross at any point on a road or major thoroughfare. Often, women with small children and babies in strollers, or young children on their own, will cross or walk down the middle of a street without first looking for traffic, even during hours of heavy traffic.

Local drivers rarely respect lane markings and will regularly drift through lanes without signaling. Vehicles will park indiscriminately on busy streets. Unmarked gypsy cabs regularly pull over without warning to pick up or drop off passengers. Frequently, drivers attempt to make left or right hand turns from the middle lane. Local driving practices result in numerous accidents and traffic jams.

Headlights, if used, are generally not activated until after it has become completely dark. Regarding stoplights, manyturn green simultaneously as the stoplights for opposing traffic turn red. Drivers shouldexercise caution before entering intersections to ensure cross traffic has stopped.

Public buses in Ashgabat are inexpensive, but overcrowded during peak times of day. Many locals use unmarked taxis, referred to commonly as “gypsy” cabs. Almost any driver in Turkmenistan will offer pedestrians a ride for a fee. Although the use of gypsy cabs is not recommended—especially by those who do not speak the local language, unfamiliar with the city or are traveling alone—it is best to establish the price for service prior to entering the vehicle and make travel in groups of at least two people if gypsy cabs are used. The average cost of a gypsy cab—to anywhere in the city—is five-Manat.

Yellow Cabs are the only registered taxis in Ashgabat and the recommended mode of public transportation; they are usually located at the airport and near major hotels. Yellow Cabs are discernable by their bright yellow color, green Turkmen license plates and a light affixed to the roof. Even though Yellow Cabs have meters, most taxi drivers do not use them; passengers are encouraged to agree on a price prior to using their services. Yellow Cabs can be reached via phone at 32-97-74. The average response time is 20 minutes.

Trains in Turkmenistan are reliable, but slow.

Turkmen Airlines owns approximately 22 Boeing aircraft. Turkmen airports are neither equipped with nor support Instrument Flight Rules. Flights are therefore frequently cancelled or delayed due to fog and poor weather, especially during the winter months.

Section III: Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence: The threat, if any, facing U.S. private sector organizations from terrorism, war, civil unrest, religious or ethnic violence; general frequency, location, and target of public protests and demonstrations in-country.

Very little information regarding Political Violence in Turkmenistan is available. The government allows local media sources to only report on topics that show Turkmenistan in a neutral or positive fashion. With that said, an attempted coup on President Niyazov was reported to have occurred in 2002. The incident allegedly involved a failed attack on the President’s motorcade and resulted in hundreds ofarrests. In 2008, two armed gunmen, while barricaded in a warehouse in the Khitrovka District of Ashgabat, reportedly killed nine members of the Turkmen Special Forces. Many believe the incident was related to narcotics or extremist ideology, but—due to media restrictions—such theories are unsubstantiated.

  1. Local, regional, and international terrorism threats/concerns; identify notable terrorist organizations that currently or previously operated in the country and highlight potential threats to U.S. private sector organizations operating in-country:

Terrorist groups such as the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, Islamic Jihad Union (IJU), Al-Qaeda, and the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement are active in Central Asia, have expressed anti-U.S. sentiment and have conducted attacks against foreign interests in Central Asia. With that said, there have been no known incidents in Turkmenistan tied to these groups. For that matter, no information is available indicating transnational terrorist groups have conducted attacks against American targets in Turkmenistan.

An increasein security at official U.S. facilities worldwide has caused terrorists to shift their focus tosofter civilian targets. Travelers should keep this in mind as they travel, remaining especially vigilant when traveling to remote locations in Turkmenistan along the Afghan border.

  1. Civil unrest (notable political, economic, social protests, demonstrations, violence):

The government does not allow political dissent or organized opposition. Demonstrations and/or large unauthorized crowds are therefore exceedingly rare. The few demonstrations that have occurred have been quickly dispersed by police. In June 2012, for example, authorities quickly dispersed a group of meat vendors near the Russian Bazaar who were protesting their inability to sell beef above the price set by the government.

  1. Religious or ethnic violence:

There are no known instances of religious or ethnic violence in Turkmenistan. With that said, the government has instituted discriminatory practices that excluded ethnic minorities from public sector employment and educational opportunities. Nontraditional religious minorities were likewise viewed with suspicion, and sometimes subjected to harassment, however there were no known instances of sectarian violence.

Section IV: Post-specific Concerns: Highlight other relevant concerns facing U.S. private sector organizations operating in-country.

The Soviet-era infrastructure is not well maintained and, as a result, electricity and telecommunication problems are common.

Turkmenistan's national currency is the Manat, which is convertible. The exchange rate is fixed by the government at 2.843 Manat to the U.S. Dollar. Please note that U.S. bills printed prior to 1996, or in poor condition, (i.e. folded, wrinkled or torn) regardless of age, are not accepted.

Turkmenistan is generally a cash-only economy; a very few hotels accept Visa or American Express. Master Card is not accepted. The ATM in the Oguzkent hotel is the only known working ATM in country. However, customers should be aware that the machine charges $5.50 per transaction in addition to the user’s bank fees. Cash advances tend to be available only from the three foreign banks located in Ashgabat.

Turkmenistan Customs authorities have the right to inspect all items imported to or exported from Turkmenistan. The export of antiquities or cultural valuables, such as carpets, requires special permission and certification.

All hotel guests—regardless of gender—must be registered prior to visiting a registered guest’s room. Unless married, guests are not allowed to share a room. Hotel security will actively investigate suspected cases to the point of following guests to their rooms and entering the room to inspect the situation.

  1. Environmental hazards (earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, typhoons, etc.); highlight suggested best practices for emergency preparedness:

Turkmenistan is located in an active seismic zone. In December 2000, an earthquake centered between Ashgabat and the Caspian Sea resulted in numerous injuries/deaths and severe damage to buildings and residences. In 1948, the city of Ashgabat was nearly destroyed by an earthquake; sources report somewhere between 10,000 and 176,000 fatalities as a result of the earthquake. Visitors should have an evacuation plan to implement in the event of a natural disaster.

  1. Industrial and transportation accidents (worker safety, hazardous chemical spills, etc.):

Turkmenistan does not have the equivalent of an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) with provisions in place to regulate industrial safety. As such, safety precautions should be taken when operating in and around industrial complexes and/or construction sites. Construction is Ashgabat is extremely heavy. It is not difficult to inadvertently stagger into a construction area. Additionally, there have been numerous cases of deaths on construction sites. Many construction workers are employed “under the table” and not properly outfitted with safety equipment or instructed on wise safety practices.

High winds have caused marble slabs hung on local buildings to detach then fall to the ground. Serious bodily injury or death could result to those struck by falling marble slabs or by fragments formed by slabs of marble colliding with the pavement. Visitors should practice good situational awareness.

Public transportation and driving in Turkmenistan can be extremely hazardous. Poor vehicle maintenance and driver training, corrupt licensing practices and a general lack of safety awareness by vehicle operators lead to a large number of transportation accidents. Visitors should have a contingency plan in place to employ should they become a victim.

  1. Economic espionage/intellectual property thefts:

No instances of economic espionage or intellectual property thefts in Turkmenistan have been reported. With that said, entities known to conduct these types of actions are present in Turkmenistan. Additionally, pirated music and films are available on the black-market. Foreigners should utilize good operational security practices by safeguarding sensitive information.

  1. Privacy concerns:

Hotels andmany public—and some private—establishments are reportedly monitored. Visitors should avoid potentially compromising situations and discussing sensitive information.

  1. Regional travel concerns and restricted travel areas/zones:

Travel to the following border zones requires host-nation approval:

Akhal Velayat

  1. Baharly etrap: Garawul district;
  2. Gokdepe etrap: Germaw village of Yangala district;
  3. Ak Bugday: Bagdat town, Babadurmaz district, Kasamly village of Gami district, Guryhowdan village of Garadamak district;
  4. Kaka etrap: Dushak town, Shukur bagshi district, Arapgala district, Artyk district and Artyk railway station, Gowshut district, Gowshut railway station and 81 railway station, Gozgan, Kurengala, Mehinli, Hyrchyngan districts, Armansgat railway station and 79, 80 railway station;
  5. Sarahs etrap: Sarahs, Gangaly town, Hanyap, Yalawach, Garaman, ata, Kichiaga, Ashgabat, alam, Watan, Chalcha districts;

Balkan Velayat

  1. Turkmenbashi etrap: Guzulsuw, Guwlymayak, Gyzylgaya town, Gatabogaz town, Chagyl, Tuver village in Goymat and Awlamysh district;
  2. Esenguly etrap: Esenguly, Ekerem town, Chikechler, Ajayip, Chaloyuk, Garadegish districts;
  3. Etrek etrap: Etrek town, Akyala district, Bayathoja village of Bayathoja district, Garagach village of Garagach district, Garahan village of Gyzylbayar district, Gyzylay village of Madaw district;
  4. Magtymguly etrap: Magtymguly town, Kuruzdey, gerkez, Yankel districts, Akkel village of Akkel district, Gyzylymam village of Gyzylymam district, ak village of Chendir district;
  5. In the limits of Border control - Konekesir, Hodjagala districts, Dayna village of Dayna district;

Mary Velayat

  1. Serhatabat etrap: Serhechi, Galaymor, Chemenebit districts, Engish village of Engish district;
  2. Tagtabazar etrap: Tagtabazar town, Erden, Suhty, Gulja, Marchak districts named after S. Niyazow, Yashlyk village of Yashlyk district, Humly;

Dashoguz Velayat

  1. Gorogly etrap: Dashly village of Magtymguly district, Akjeren and Gorelde villages of Aksaray districts, Altyngol, Bedirkent, Buzgomen villages, Edermen and Yangyyap villages, Border zone from Gazojak town till Dashoguz-Gazojak;
  2. S.A. Niyazow etrap: Niyazaow town, Yoldash Ahmedow village of Gulistan district, Shatlyk, Medeniyet, Dostluk, Dowlet districts, Shyhgala village of Nowbahar district, Bossan district named after Sadulla Rozmetow, Gulistan, Deryalyk, Kyyat, Yanguyer villages;
  3. Gubadag etrap: Bereket, Gubadag, Yashlyk districts, Dowgala and Mannyt villages in Gokchage district, Gorelde, Dowletli villages of Dowletli districts, Shyhgala village of Amyderya district, Jemshit village of Azatlyk district, Yekederek village of Sadulla Rozmetov district;
  4. Boldumsaz etrap: Guyanagyz we Ashgabat districts;
  5. Koneurgench etrap: Galkynysh, Tazeyap, Tazeyol, Akgum, Ezberkol, Pagtachy districts, Maslahat, Saraygol villages;
  6. Saparmyrat Turkmenbashi etrap: Ruhebelent, Bitaraplyk, Serdar, Yybowur, Turkmenistan, Yengish, Shahamy, Dowkesen districts;

Lebap Velayat

  1. Magdanly town;
  2. Farap etrap: Farap, Jeyhun town, Teze village, Djendi,Bitik, Garamysh, Dostluk, Osty, Kurach, Nazarym districts;
  3. Hojambaz etrap: Hojambaz town, Beshir, Burdalyk, Gultak,Meken districts;
  4. Birata etrap: Birata, Gazochak, Lebap towns, Lebap, Hojalyk, Charwadar named after Magtymkuli districts, Sadywar village of Sadywar districts, Sakazino railway station;
  5. Atamyrat etrap: Bashsaka, Garamatniyaz town named after 15 years of Independences.
  6. Beyik Turkmenbashi etrap: Amuderya, Dostluk, Kerkichi town, Burguchy, Dashrabat, Surhy districts, azatlyk reailway station;
  7. Koytendag etrap: Kelif, Mukry, Kogetang towns, Akgumolam, garahowuz, Garnash, Megejik, Garlyk, Koyten districts, Gokmiyar village;
  8. Dowletli etrap: Tallymerjen district, Hojahayran district, Korkak, Hodjatutly, Guzdubuk villages;

Border permission should be requested as far in advance as possible. The official travel request requires a copy of the visitor’s passport and exact dates of the visit; the request should be sent to the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan.