The illegal sand trade is a significant criminal business, with estimates suggesting that it is the world’s third largest criminal enterprise. Organized crime groups, often referred to as the “sand mafia,” are involved in violent activities such as murder and operate in various regions around the world. While some sources suggest that the turnover of the illegal sand trade may not be as high as initially reported, the magnitude of the numbers is still significant.
The global sand trade involves both wholesale and retail transactions, with prices varying depending on the country and method of purchase. Retail sales of small quantities of sand can significantly increase cash flow for organized crime groups. Despite discrepancies in reported figures, the illegal sand trade remains a lucrative criminal enterprise, with turnover estimates ranging from 50-100 billion dollars. However, more cautious estimates put the total value of the global sand trade, legal and illegal, at around 200 billion dollars. The exact figures may vary, but the scale of the illegal sand trade highlights its significant impact on the global economy and environment.
