Why Are Social Leaders Dying in Colombia's Cauca?
In early 2018, Colombia’s Ombudsman's Office sounded the alarm regarding an unprecedented increase in the murders of social leaders nationwide. Over 18 months later, the situation has only gotten worse,…
Women Taking On More Roles Within Colombia's Drug Trade
A new investigation has revealed the range of roles women play in drug trafficking organizations in Colombia and the vulnerable situations that these jobs bring about.
Killings Reveal Longtime Cocaine Production in Guatemala
After the killing of three naval officers in an eastern coastal region dominated by organized crime, Guatemala's government has enforced martial law -- and in turn drawn attention to the…
First Ex-FARC Mafia Cell Backs Marquez's New Dissident Force in Colombia
The ex-FARC mafia's 18th Front has announced that it will stand in alliance with the new guerrilla movement led by commander Iván Márquez, making it the first cell to unite…
Coca Crops Surge Amid Security Vacuum on Peru-Bolivia Border
A spike in coca crops around a national park along the Bolivia-Peru border has accompanied a recent population boom and disintegrating security in the region, as well as a shift…
Colombia's EPL Faces Bleak Prospects After Death of Pácora
The killing of the leader of the EPL’s political and military wings by the Colombian army comes at a critical time for the criminal group, as it finds itself bitterly…
Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua Gang Seeks to Grow Inside Brazil Prisons
Members of Venezuela's large and dangerous Tren del Aragua gang are actively trying to expand their group's influence in the Brazilian prisons where they are incarcerated. …
ELN Gains Upper Hand Over EPL in Norte de Santander, Colombia
A recent split within the EPL guerrilla force has left it weakened and allowed its rival, the ELN, to gain an advantage in Norte de Santander, a Colombian department on…
Peru's Shining Path Plots Unlikely Return to Power
A 400-page document by Peru's Shining Path guerrillas details the group's elaborate plans to increase drug trafficking operations and attacks on the military. But its long-held ultimate goal -- to overthrow…
Drones Are Limited Weapon Against Illegal Mining in Peru
Peru has deployed drones to some of the country's remote areas to track illegal mining, but using the information to capture and make cases against illegal miners is a challenge.
Chemicals for Cocaine Production Hidden in Sugar and Beer in Peru
Peruvian authorities managed to identify close to 20 methods for hiding illegal chemical components being sent to criminal groups in the VRAEM, the country’s top cocaine-producing region.
Why Are Political Candidates Being Assassinated in Colombia?
The murder of seven candidates in Colombia’s upcoming municipal election in just one month, the highest rate since 2015, has raised new questions about the motives behind the violence.
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…
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