Latin American Governments Easy Prey for Ransomware During COVID-19
A recent cyberattack that hit government websites in Brazil, including platforms that track vaccinations and epidemiological data on COVID-19, has stoked concerns about a surge in ransomware attacks on critical…
Panama Unveils Extent of Official Participation in Drug Trafficking
As Panama struggles to contain an ever-growing flow of cocaine, a recent operation has revealed the extent to which officials are involved in facilitating the drug trade.
How International Narcos Rebuild Their Lives in Brazil
Court cases. Hitmen. Interpol. International drug traffickers sometimes need to get away from it all. Brazil has sought to cater to that elite clientele and their specific requirements: living in…
Argentina Drug Gang Extorts 'Blue Dollar' Sellers
A criminal group in Argentina has found a novel target for extortion: black market currency dealers who are moving large amounts of cash to dollar-hungry Argentines in an economy hit…
New Index Finds Corruption Worsening Across Latin America
An index looking at the ability of Latin American countries to combat corruption has highlighted that signs of progress are still few and far between, and the region as a…
4 Ways Microtraffickers are Getting Around Coronavirus Restrictions
Just like many legal enterprises trying to find ways to get their products to customers despite the pandemic, microtraffickers in Latin America have had to adjust to new ways of…
Rift in Bagdad Crime Syndicate Fueling Violence in Panama
Homicides in western Panama have surged in a cycle of revenge killings, as one of the country's largest gangs struggles to maintain power and control over increasing drug flows.
Money Laundering Allegations Dog Mexico's Cruz Azul Soccer Club
Although the Mexican soccer league has canceled the rest of its season, one of its most acclaimed clubs has remained in the headlines as three of its directors are being…
Coronavirus Driving Black Market for Medical Equipment in Cuba
The theft of thousands of surgical masks in Cuba reveals how the island’s active black market has adapted quickly to the coronavirus pandemic.
Record Seizures of Cocaine Expose Severe Flaws at Uruguay's Main Airport
Over the past year, repeated allegations of weak security and customs checks at Uruguay's main international airport in Montevideo have showcased its important role in the trafficking of drugs to…
Latin America Under Threat of Cybercrime Amid Coronavirus
Online scams, ransomware attacks and phishing email schemes have proliferated in Latin America amid the coronavirus pandemic, exposing the dangers hackers pose to people, banks and governments. If the past…
For Ecuador’s Fishermen, 'Vueltas' Rarely End in a Return
A new report sheds light on US authorities' controversial practice of detaining Ecuadorian fishermen acting as drug mules in international waters and holding them captive on off-shore "prison ships," often…