Over 200 Million People Live in Areas Controlled by Gangs, Report Says

More than 200 million people across 60 countries live in areas effectively controlled by brutal gangs, mafia networks and rebel groups, according to a report highlighted by Bulgarian news outlet Dnevnik. These organisations operate what the source describes as “shadow states” — territories where they act as the real authority, often far beyond the reach of national governments.

The term “shadow state” is used for regions where a non-state armed group has taken over core functions of government, including security, taxation and dispute resolution. Residents may have little or no protection from official police or courts, leaving them dependent on the group’s rules.

The report, published on Sunday, says the leaders of these groups control billions of dollars that remain outside the grasp of law enforcement. In many of these zones, the gangs collect taxes, run their own justice systems and dictate everyday life for residents, effectively replacing the state.

No specific Bulgarian link is mentioned in the source, but the sheer scale of the problem — across more than a third of the world’s countries — makes it a concern for anyone travelling, working or doing business internationally. The source does not name the countries involved, but the number alone indicates a challenge spanning multiple continents.

Travellers are advised to check official safety guidance before visiting regions known for organised crime or insurgency, and to stay informed through reliable local news. Understanding which areas are under the control of such groups can help people plan safer journeys abroad.