WHY NOT COOPERATE WITH THE ILLEGAL SAND TRADE IF YOU KNOW IT PROVIDES A BETTER LIVING THAN BASIC AGRICULTURE OR FARM WORK? The sand mafia skirts regulations, ignores permitting requirements, and gleefully pillages sand from rivers and coastal communities, fueling the global sand shortage. Still, illegal sand mining has only increased in Abdulali’s home state, as it has across India. The sand mafia, meanwhile, emerges unscathed, as it’s mainly the workers it employs who bear the brunt of any fines. The sand mafia is often targeting riverine or beach sand.