Colombia’s Criminal Evolution 25 Years After Pablo Escobar’s Death
It's been nearly 25 years since authorities in Colombia gunned down former Medellín Cartel kingpin Pablo Escobar on a city rooftop. A lot has changed in the country's underworld since the…
Guilty Verdict in Berta Cáceres Murder Trial in Honduras is Partial Justice
Authorities in Honduras found seven of the eight men accused in the high-profile murder of renowned environmental activist Berta Cáceres guilty, a welcomed step forward, but justice was only partially…
Ecuador ‘Legalizes’ Gangs and Slashes Murder Rate
In some New York neighborhoods, wearing yellow and black with a golden crown symbol can get you killed. But in Quito, Ecuador, clothing representing the Latin Kings is no cause…
Government Mafia Structures Plague Venezuela Emigration Process
The enormous bribery and extortion pressures that Venezuelans face when trying to leave their country legally is further proof that criminal structures are operating within the government, taking advantage of…
Can Drug Regulation Help Tackle Organized Crime?
A recent report argues that regulating illegal drugs can help governments tackle organized crime, adding to a growing number of voices calling for the decriminalization of personal drug use. But…
What is Behind AMLO’s Security Policy U-Turn in Mexico?
Days before his inauguration, on 1 December, Mexico's President-elect Andrés Manuel López Obrador has announced a pair of security initiatives that seemingly contradict his campaign proposals. But what is the…
A Legacy of Turmoil: Peña Nieto’s Tenure in Mexico
Mexico President Enrique Peña Nieto ends his six-year term amid a rising body count, allegations of cover-ups, and having failed his nation on a variety of key issues, particularly security.
US Alleges Honduras President’s Brother is Major Drug Trafficker
Prosecutors in the United States allege that the brother of the president of Honduras is a major drug trafficker in Central America, providing further evidence that the country's political elites…
‘El Chapo’ Son’s Medellín Visit Reveals Criminal Underworld Dynamics
Reports about the prolonged visit of the son of alleged Mexican drug kingpin Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán to Colombia’s city of Medellín have revealed new details about the growing influence…
Former Peru Police Chief Accused of Role in Baby Trafficking Network
The recent arrest of the former director of Peru’s national police as part of a group accused of leading a baby trafficking network revealed the level of corruption in the…
Police Along Venezuela Border Consolidate as Criminal Structures
Two sweeping investigations into police units serving along Venezuela’s border were ordered after the arrest of 15 officers, several of whom are accused of participating in drug trafficking and a…
Colombia Government Rejection May Cement End of ELN Peace Talks
The government of Colombia has rejected the appointment of a top ELN commander as a delegate in peace talks and has ordered his capture — a move that likely spells…
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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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