Colombia Seeks Demobilization of Criminal Groups
Colombia is evaluating two controversial proposals on how to combat and prosecute the latest generation criminal groups, which could have far-reaching implications for the country's armed conflict and any post…
A Drug Trafficker’s Journey From a US Prison to Guatemala
A Guatemalan recently accused of laundering money for Honduran criminal network the Valles has a curious backstory: he previously served time in the US, and apparently returned to Guatemala to…
Uruguay Police Smuggled Weapons to Brazil
Uruguay authorities are investigating police accused of trafficking some 300 weapons to Brazil, an indication that the most heavily armed country in South America -- in terms of per capita…
Bloody Ambush a Setback for Colombia Peace Talks
The most violent FARC attack since Colombia's peace talks began is unlikely to derail the negotiations completely, but is nonetheless indicative of the degree to which certain guerrilla factions are…
Guatemala Elites Busted in Customs Fraud Ring
Authorities in Guatemala have arrested two high-level current and former government officials -- as well as eighteen other suspects -- for customs fraud. Nevertheless, the accused may be facing light…
US Treasury Blacklists MS13 Leaders
The latest designations bring the number of El Salvadoran gang members blacklisted by the United States for forming part of international criminal organizations to ten. …
In Mexico, Public Perception Does Not Follow Improvements
A new government survey shows that public perception has not followed the unquestionable improvements in Mexican security over the past five years.
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias ‘El Mencho’
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias "El Mencho," is the leader and founder of the Jalisco Cartel – New Generation (CJNG), and the man responsible for overseeing the once upstart criminal faction's transition into…
Mexico Cartels Recruiting US Border Agents: Inspector General
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees are being recruited by Mexican cartels to help smuggle drugs across the US-Mexico border, according to testimony from the Inspector General, highlighting the inability…
Light Sentencing for Argentina’s ‘Monos’ Highlights Judicial Dilemma
Authorities in Argentina have granted reduced prison sentences to 18 members of criminal group the Monos, raising the regional debate over whether justice is best served by working with or…
The ‘White Charcoal’ Trial and the Evolution of Argentina’s Drug Trade
Argentina is preparing for one of the biggest drug trafficking trials in its history, and the tangled web of corruption, business and soccer that has already been revealed is proof…
Former Colombia Governor and Alleged Criminal Boss Nearly Released
A former Colombia governor accused of several murders and links to paramilitary groups came very close to being freed from jail, a reminder of the scope of the influence this…
About InSight Crime
We Have Updated Our Website
Welcome to our new home page. We have revamped the site to create a better display and reader experience.
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…
Stay Informed with InSight Weekly
Get fresh updates on organized crime from across the region delivered to your inbox.
SUBSCRIBE