Local drug sales in Sinaloa’s capital city are controlled by one of the most notorious and powerful organized crime families in Mexico.
From Worst to Best - Anti-Money Laundering Capabilities in Latin America
A new report points out how the success rate in fighting money laundering across Latin America varies widely from country to country.
Violence Against Women Regular Tactic for Venezuela Criminal Groups
Femicides in Venezuela have become a common tactic for organized crime groups, targeting partners and relatives of rivals.
Record Cocaine Seizures in Colombia as Government Negotiates with Traffickers
Colombia's negotiations with a range of criminal groups, as part of the Total Peace plan, will be complicated by record cocaine seizures.
Latin America Makes Little Progress Against Corruption
Countries across Latin America continue to make stubbornly little progress in the fight against corruption.
Sticks and Carrots: Lula's Balancing Act in Brazil's Crime-Wracked Amazon
Brazil's president Lula is acting quickly to kick out illegal miners and loggers from the Amazon. But the right economic solutions are needed.
Haiti Gangs Embrace Political and Police Chaos
Haiti's security crisis is about to see another major evolution as gangs look to become the de facto authority in much of the country.
Southern Mexico Extortion Suggests Migration of Central American Gangs
While thousands of gang members have been arrested in El Salvador, some may have moved their activities to Mexico.
CJNG Control of Illegal Mining in Michoacán, Mexico, Claiming Indigenous Lives
With cartels like the CJNG muscling in on illegal mining in Michoacán, Mexico, Indigenous community members continue to suffer.
Otoniel Pleads Guilty: Farewell to Colombia's Narco Old Guard
Otoniel, the fallen head of the Urabeños crime syndicate, has pleaded guilty in New York. His trial will mark the end of an era.
Ecuador's Navy Grappling With Mounting Evidence of Criminal Collusion
Corrupt Navy troops in Ecuador can be highly useful for drug traffickers, either to protect cocaine shipments or to simply let them pass.
Featured Reporting and Analysis
The shift from plant-based to synthetic drugs has upended the relationship between small farmers and crime groups in Mexico’s Golden Triangle.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro's Total Peace plan faces a very tough road ahead. Can over 20 criminal groups really all commit to peace?…
El Salvador's ruthless gang crackdown has led to mass incarceration and human rights abuses. But will it be replicated elsewhere?…
In response to changes in the international marijuana trade, Mexico-based drug trafficking groups have shifted their strategies.
To Desafio, the Barrio 18 gang in Honduras was everything. It provided a family, a sense of belonging. Until his life grew increasingly violent.
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About InSight Crime
Escaping Barrio 18
Last week, InSight Crime published an investigation charting the story of Desafío, a 28-year-old Barrio 18 gang member who is desperate to escape gang life. But there’s one problem: he’s…
Europe Coverage Makes a Splash
Last week, InSight Crime published an analysis of the role of Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport as an arrival hub for cocaine and methamphetamine from Mexico. The article was picked up by…
World Looks to InSight Crime for Mexico Expertise
Our coverage of the arrest of Chapitos’ co-founder Ovidio Guzmán López in Mexico has received worldwide attention.In the UK, outlets including The Independent and BBC…
InSight Crime Shares Expertise with US State Department
Last week, InSight Crime Co-founder Steven Dudley took part in the International Anti-Corruption Conference organized by the US State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, & Labor and…
Immediate Response to US-Mexico Marijuana Investigation
InSight Crime’s investigation into how the legalization of marijuana in many US states has changed Mexico’s criminal dynamics made a splash this week appearing on the front page of…