The increase in the rates of trafficking and smuggling from Burma in 2008 is testament to the seriousness of the economic crisis that threatens to destabilize the country. More importantly perhaps, it is also indicative of a country in which corruption is widespread and lawlessness is pervasive. Lawlessness is especially apparent in ethnic rural areas suffering from conflict and in remote mountainous areas. Transnational crime is estimated to be a multi-billion dollar industry; however, Burma?s ?extra-legal economy, both black market and illicit border trade, is reportedly so large that an accurate assessment of the size and structure of the country?s economy is unavailable.” Live animals, commodities, drugs, arms, and people, particularly women and children, were all trafficked or smuggled within and from Burma in 2008. Known trafficking and smuggling destinations included: Thailand, China, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Macau, South Korea, Pakistan, India, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, and Japan.