The Brazilian Prison System: Challenges and Prospects for Reform
The prison population throughout Latin America has been growing steadily for the past few decades. Harsh drug laws and anti-gang policies have led to a massive increase of the number…
Mexico Army Hides Number of Civilians Killed by Armed Forces
For the past four years, the army has refused to reveal the number of civilians killed by members of the military. The justification offered is that "the army's jurisdiction is…
The Unbelievable Hell Inside El Salvador’s Prisons
A plague of fungal skin diseases, untreated deadly infections, constant threats of tuberculosis epidemics, people fed with their own hands, extreme overcrowding and children locked up with their mothers. This…
El Salvador Police Prepare to Take Their Own Revenge Against Gangs
The same day they buried the seventh police officer killed by gang members in November, the government announced a new response plan, "Nemesis," which means revenge. This plan stems from…
Mexico’s Jalisco Cartel – New Generation: From Extinction to World Domination
In less than a decade, the Jalisco Cartel - New Generation (CJNG) has transformed into one of the most prolific and violent drug trafficking organizations in the world. From a small…
InSight Crime’s Favorite Fan Mail of 2016
InSight Crime receives dozens of emails each week from our audience. Below, we share some of our favorite praise for our work, angry rants, opinionated commentary and even apparent solicitations…
Brazil Construction Giant Admits to Massive Bribe Scheme
Brazilian construction conglomerate Odebrecht and its affiliate Braskem agreed to pay $3.5 billion in fines after pleading guilty to bribery charges, revealing the magnitude of the international scheme as well…
Report Says El Salvador Gangs Have Created a Parallel State
A new study argues that powerful street gangs have gone a long way toward creating a parallel state in El Salvador, providing a helpful framework to illustrate the extent to…
El Salvador Fake Agents Scam Indicative of DEA Image Problem
Authorities in El Salvador have arrested two men for allegedly impersonating Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents in an extortion scheme, in a case that reflects the shady image that often…
2016 Deadliest Year for Catholic Priests in Mexico
Mexico remains the most dangerous country in the world for Catholic priests, according to a report from the Catholic Church that calls out the government for its lack of action…
Study Examines Drug and Human Trafficking Overlap in Mexico
A recent study from a pair of academics specializing on border issues finds a wide degree of overlap between coyotes and drug traffickers along the US-Mexico border, with government policies…
Argentina Considering Drug Treatment as Alternative to Incarceration
Authorities in Argentina are considering a proposal to establish treatment for drug addiction as an alternative to incarceration for people accused of minor crimes, a model that has shown promise…