Azerbaijan 2009 Crime & Safety Report

Crime & Safety Report

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The overall security situation in Azerbaijan remains relatively unchanged over the past year. Street crimes such as pick-pocketing, purse-snatching, and muggings are the most common crimes. Most of these incidents occur at night and during the winter months.  Other issues in Azerbaijan include taxi shakedowns and harassment by authorities.  Certain areas in Azerbaijan remain particularly problematic.  Residents and visitors are advised to register travel with the U.S. Embassy Baku, especially if you are traveling outside of the capital.    

Visitors to Azerbaijan should carry a copy of their passport and visa at all times. Visitors should also take note that driving in Azerbaijan is dangerous due to routine police stops, traffic congestion, accidents, narrow roads, poor lighting, and a general disregard for traffic rules. All crimes or unusual incidents should be reported to the Regional Security Officer (RSO) and/or to the Consular Officer at the U.S. Embassy (number located below).

Scams

A common scam is for police officers to enter businesses frequented by Westerners claiming that prostitution and drug trafficking is taking place at the establishment. The police will target a local resident in the company of a Westerner in the hope that the westerner will pay to have them released.  It is not uncommon for locals to work this scam in coordination with the police.  The government continues to deal with this issue and has arrested several policemen for this crime/scam.  To date, such incidents have not involved physical violence.

Street Crime

Expatriates are at a greater risk to be a victim of crime in areas which attract large crowds or are very isolated.  There have been reports of children approaching Westerners and hugging them in order to ascertain where they are keeping their valuables.  Once identified, a signal is passed by the child to another person who in turn steals the victim’s valuables, generally while the victim is preoccupied with the child.  Travelers should remain alert when visiting tourist areas in Baku, such as Fountain Square and the Maiden's Tower.  Some of the shopping districts, such as Ganjlik, are also areas where thieves commonly operate.  The majority of restaurants, shops, and bars frequented by Westerners are located in areas of town that have had repeated incidents of muggings.  Try to avoid traveling alone in these areas after nightfall.  

Visitors to Azerbaijan are advised to maintain a low profile and to only carry the amount of money necessary for the day’s activities. Whenever possible, keep cash and identification in your front pockets. Do not carry credit cards, as most places in Azerbaijan only accept cash. A lost credit card, drivers’ license, and/or other documents can be difficult to replace in Azerbaijan. Purses should be tucked into the crook of an arm and protected while going about daily activities.  If carrying a bag with a shoulder strap, keep a hand over the clasp and do not allow the bag to hang freely. 

Vehicle Theft

Vehicle thefts do occur in Baku. A majority of these thefts occur in the early morning hours and often involve unattended vehicles.  Downtown Baku is a high risk areas for vehicle theft.  To avoid vehicle theft, ensure that you park in a secure parking facility, or where there is constant pedestrian traffic.

Counterfeiting

Counterfeiting of U.S. dollars and Azerbaijani currency is a significant problem.  To avoid this issue, visitors should only change money at legitimate, recognized businesses. If you suspect that you are in possession of counterfeit currency, you should contact the U.S. Embassy’s RSO immediately.  

Transportation

Taxis

Although a majority of cabs are honest, a small percentage of them are corrupt and work in collusion with real or fake police in shaking down and/or robbing Westerners.  An example of how this scam works is as follows:

• Westerner gets in a taxi, usually at night, and gives directions to a hotel.
• The taxi drives a short distance and is stopped by the police. 
• The Westerner is ordered out of the cab and asked for their documents. The perpetrators then indicate that there are problems with the documents, and the victim must pay a bribe to avoid a trip to the local police station.
• If the Westerner does not pay, then he/she may be handled violently and have his/her wallet stolen.

Fortunately, no one has been seriously injured in this type of scam.  The best practice to follow in Baku is to only utilize taxis that have license plates with a blue background. These cabs belong to legitimate taxi companies that have no reported incidents against them.  Taxis in Baku are not metered, so visitors should be sure to negotiate the fare before entering a taxi. Asking for a reasonable fare is expected and appropriate.

Public Transportation

U.S. citizens are advised not to use public transportation.  However, if public transportation must be used visitors should be cautious when raveling via train or subway. Incidents of theft and harassment have been reported by Westerners traveling on small buses known locally as “marshrutkas”, and on the overnight Baku-Tbilisi train. Traveling within Baku by subway can also be dangerous, as the subway system lacks proper maintenance.  When traveling by bus or train visitors are encouraged to travel in groups. Travelers should remain vigilant and maintain close control of their personal belongings and keep their cabin doors secure at all times. Female visitors to Azerbaijan have reported frequent unwelcome advances by Azerbaijani males, especially in the remote regions. Overt propositions are common, but simple refusal will usually end the harassment.   

Driving

Road conditions in Baku and the country as a whole are generally poor.  The country is in the midst of an infrastructure building project with virtually every major highway under construction at this time.  The original roads are poorly constructed and poorly lit.  The newer sections of the road system are a marked improvement, but the unfinished sections are lacking proper road construction and hazard signage.  Drivers should pay close attention even on the new sections.

In the past several years, the number of vehicles on Azerbaijan's roads has markedly increased.  Lack of driver training and a tendency to drive aggressively make driving hazardous and stressful, one should allow plenty of time to reach a destination and drive defensively.  All drivers are advised to limit driving at night outside of Baku due to due to poor lighting and dangerous road conditions.

Traffic enforcement in Azerbaijan is inconsistent and police corruption makes routine traffic stops even more difficult.  If stopped, drivers should have all required documents with them to include passport or local registration documents, driver’s license, vehicle registration documents, and proof of insurance.  Solicitations for bribes are common during traffic stops.  Drivers are encouraged not to pay bribes, rather to let the officer issue a ticket as would be done in Europe or the U.S.

Accommodations

U.S. citizens visiting Azerbaijan usually stay in Western hotel chains that are generally up to standards.  Managers at these hotels are usually aware of safety concerns and have implemented enhanced security measures. In local hotels, basic security features such as dead bolt locks, door viewers, and smoke alarms are often lacking.  When staying at a hotel in Azerbaijan do not leave money, jewelry, passports, or other valuables in an unattended room. Always note the location of stairwells and fire extinguishers in the case of an emergency.

If a U.S. citizen becomes a victim of crime while visiting Azerbaijan they should report the incident to the RSO and/or to the Consular Officer at the U.S. Embassy immediately. In addition, the government of Azerbaijan has established a section to assist foreigners victimized by crime.  The office is called Office of Crimes Against Foreigners, which can be reached at phone number 90-95-32.

Political Violence

The political situation in Baku is currently stable.  Violence associated with elections and campaigns is not commonplace.  However, the potential exists for spontaneous demonstrations to escalate.  Demonstrations are typically pre-announced and peaceful, but there have been a few incidences of violence against demonstrators by local police officers. 

Post-specific Concerns

Azerbaijan is a predominately Muslim country, and as such, Westerners should be prudent in their dress and behavior in order to show respect for the local culture. There are several Muslim religious holidays that are widely observed.  Caution should be used when traveling on or around these days.

Visitors are advised to be cautious and avoid taking photographs of military installations, government buildings, and mosques. When traveling outside of Baku, Westerners should be mindful about coming too close to the line of contention with Armenia in the region of Nagorno-Karabakh.  Photographing these areas is discouraged and may result in detention.

U.S. citizens are also encouraged to avoid driving at night in Azerbaijan due to unsafe driving conditions.  In particular, the roads outside of Baku are in poor condition and lighting is often sporadic or non-existent. Caution should be taken when driving anywhere near the borders with Dagestan, Russia, Iran, and in the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Additionally, it is advisable not to travel into the village of Nardaran, located on the Absheron Peninsula, as the community has had several violent conflicts with the Azerbaijani government over social and economic issues.  If visitors must travel to these areas, they should contact the U.S. Embassy before making travel arrangements.

Medical Emergencies

Medical facilities in Azerbaijan tend to be in poor condition, with minimal medical supplies. There are several Western-style private clinics and one major hospital in Baku that poses limited critical care capabilities. While the private clinics can handle most routine emergencies, major illnesses or injuries will most likely require a medical air evacuation.

The following medical service providers can be contacted in the event of a medical emergency while in Azerbaijan:

SOS Clinic - 493-4089, 493-7354, or 850-212- 6921

Turk-American Medical Center - 494-1823 or 497-384

Central Clinical Hospital - 492-1092, Emergency Room/Ambulance 492-3131 or 497-1111.

Tips on How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

Visitors should take note of the fact that Baku is a large, sprawling city and it is easy to get lost while visiting Azerbaijan. U.S citizens are encouraged to familiarize themselves with a city map and keep emergency phone numbers available.  Be familiar with emergency routes to the airport, the hospital, and the Embassy.

Emergency situations happen to the newly arrived and veteran expatriates alike.  Car accidents, muggings, assaults, lost documents, health problems, earthquakes, and incidents involving local police do occur and all visitors to Azerbaijan should be prepared.  In an emergency, call the U.S. Embassy at 498-0335 and ask for the Consular Officer or the Regional Security Officer.  If you have information to report, write down the details (who, what, when, why, where and how) as soon as possible.  These details are essential to those at the Embassy who will be trying to help you.

Emergency Notification

All registered U.S. citizens will be notified through the U.S. Embassy’s warden system, and by means of notices distributed to hotels and airlines. In the event of a major emergency, travelers are advised to avoid areas with heavy police presence.  Long-term visitors should ensure that they have a two-week supply of canned food at their residence. Water containers and fuel tanks should also be kept as full as possible.  Documents should be gathered in one convenient location and a set of house and car keys should be kept tagged with your name and address. U.S citizens will then be provided with instructions and information by the Consular Section of the Embassy via the warden system.

For Further Information

The U.S Embassy Baku is located at 83 Azadlig Prospecti AZ1007 Baku, Azerbaijan and can be contacted at (+994 12) 4980-335. To register with the U.S Embassy and to obtain up-to-date travel information visit http://azerbaijan.usembassy.gov/ .

OSAC Point of Contact

Azerbaijan has an active OSAC council and welcomes new businesses via regular meetings.  The Regional Security Officer of the U.S. Embassy who can be reached at 994-12-498-0335 or by email at DS_RSOBaku@state.gov.