Gulf Cartel

The Gulf Cartel is among the oldest most powerful cartels in Mexico, but has lost territory in recent years.

Shining Path

The Shining Path or the Militarized Communist Party (Militarizado Partido Comunista - MPC) is the last remnant of Peru’s guerrilla movement from the end of the 20th Century. Although the…

Brazil Profile

Brazil, Latin America’s largest economy, has seen some important security advances in recent years, taking dozens of communities in Rio de Janeiro from criminal gangs through its innovative UPP security…

Honduras Profile

Honduras, long one of the poorest countries in Latin America, is now also among the most violent and crime-ridden. The violence is carried out by local drug trafficking groups, gangs,…

Ecuador Profile

Ecuador is facing record homicides and the rapid expansion of gangs as it becomes a fulcrum in the international drug trafficking trade.

The Prison Dilemma in the Americas

This series of case studies and policy reports explores how government policies, mismanagement, neglect and corruption have made the jails in the region powerful incubators of organized crime.

The MS13

The Mara Salvatrucha (MS13) is the hemisphere's largest, most formidable and increasingly its most sophisticated street gang. This ongoing investigative series tackles its evolution from various perspectives.

Impunity Northern Triangle

In Central America's Northern Triangle, impunity can be won with money, contacts and coercion. And the same rules apply whether you're a high-level government official or a narco “kingpin.”…

Honduras Elites and Organized Crime

Colombia Elites and Organized Crime

Guatemala Elites and Organized Crime

Nicaragua Elites and Organized Crime