Piracy is often thought of as a relic of the past, a tale of wooden ships and sword-wielding marauders. But in many parts of the world, modern-day pirates continue to haunt the oceans, preying on vulnerable vessels for ransom, fuel, cargo, and sometimes even human lives.
Each region has its own unique brand of piracy, shaped by geography, politics, and economic conditions. In some places, pirates are desperate fishermen forced into crime, while in others they are well-organized criminal syndicates or even militant groups with ties to terrorism.
Despite international naval patrols and increased security measures, the lure of high-seas crime continues to thrive where poverty and lawlessness leave maritime routes vulnerable. But where exactly are the most dangerous places that pirates use as their hunting ground? Click through this gallery to find out.