Mexico Oil Theft Just Keeps Getting Worse
Despite government efforts, fuel theft has risen in Mexico, at a time when falling oil and gas prices are already impacting the nation's economy and national budget.
‘Peru Could Become a Narco-State’: Official
A high-level government official has said Peru is at risk of becoming a narco-state, a questionable claim that nevertheless reflects the apparent deep penetration of drug trafficking groups into the…
How US Immigration Policy Makes Kidnapping Migrants More Profitable
Criminal groups in Mexico have kidnapped and extorted migrants for years, but their ability to prey upon people embarking on the perilous journey to the United States may well be…
Mexico Seized Enough Illegal Weapons to Arm Navy, Police
The number of firearms seized from criminal groups over the past ten years -- an average of 40 a day -- could equip a force equivalent to Mexico's Navy and…
El Salvador Gangs Want a Peace Process
El Salvadors gangs have released a new statement promising to reduce violence, but with their top leaders back in a maximum security prison, it is worth asking whether they really…
Gulf Cartel Violence Reminiscent of Mexico Drug War Peak
Violence exploded in northeastern Mexico this week following the arrest of a Gulf Cartel leader, demonstrating the ability of drug cartels to brazenly create chaos in this hotbed of criminal activity.
Narcos, Police Unite in Adoration of ‘Warrior Saint’ in Brazil
A growing number of Rio de Janiero's faithful -- ranging from drug traffickers to police officers -- are reportedly praying to a "warrior saint" for protection, a possible response to…
Nicaragua to Fight Narcos with Warplanes? Don’t Believe It
Recent claims by Nicaragua that it intends to buy Russian fighter jets for counter-narcotics operations have raised eyebrows in Latin America, and exemplify how the fight against drug trafficking can…
Colombia Dismantles Urabeños Drug Plane Network
Authorities in Colombia have captured the leaders of a network that allegedly trafficked cocaine via plane for criminal organization the Urabeños, a reminder of the group's ability to move large…
Mandate Renewed, But CICIG Will Not Save Guatemala
Guatemala's president has announced that he will seek to renew the mandate of a United Nations-backed anti-impunity body, extending the lifespan of a controversial effort that, despite several important achievements,…
Honduras, Nicaragua Deepen Military Cooperation Along Border
Honduras and Nicaragua have signed a cooperation agreement for anti-narcotics operations along their shared border, underscoring increased efforts to improve security in recent years. …
Were Police Involved in Disappearance of Mexico Vigilantes?
Twelve members of a self-defense group in Mexico's Michoacan state went missing after going out on patrol in November 2014. Their families now say that police were involved -- whatever…
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InSight Crime Events – Border Crime: The Northern Triangle and Tri-Border Area
Through several rounds of extensive field investigations, our researchers have analyzed and mapped out the main illicit economies and criminal groups present in 39 border departments spread across the six countries of study – the Northern Triangle trio of Guatemala, Honduras, and El…
InSight Crime’s ‘Memo Fantasma’ Investigation Wins Simón Bolívar National Journalism Prize
The staff at InSight Crime was awarded the prestigious Simón Bolívar national journalism prize in Colombia for its two-year investigation into the drug trafficker known as “Memo Fantasma,” which was…
InSight Crime – From Uncovering Organized Crime to Finding What Works
This project began 10 years ago as an effort to address a problem: the lack of daily coverage, investigative stories and analysis of organized crime in the Americas. …
InSight Crime – Ten Years of Investigating Organized Crime in the Americas
In early 2009, Steven Dudley was in Medellín, Colombia. His assignment: speak to a jailed paramilitary leader in the Itagui prison, just south of the city. Following his interview inside…
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