‘Blue’: The Story of MS13’s First ‘Terrorist’
On the eve of the extradition of top leaders of El Salvador’s feared Mara Salvatrucha (MS13) gang to the United States on terrorism charges, InSight Crime recounts the story of…
Los Lagartos
Integrated by multiple gangs with shared allies and enemies, Los Lagartos is one of Ecuador’s prolific prison gangs, whose rivalry with Los Choneros has spurned unprecedented levels violence in Ecuador’s…
Cárteles Unidos
The Cárteles Unidos (CU) is a criminal organization that was born out of an alliance between the Cartel de Tepalcatepec, Los Viagras and other groups to combat advances made by…
Donkey Skin Trafficking on Colombia’s Northern Coast
When hundreds of skinned donkeys appeared on Colombia’s northern coast without explanation, locals -- and later authorities -- started asking questions. The answer, as it was many of these wildlife…
Earthly Delights: Religious Groups and Money Laundering in Dominican Republic
High-ranking officials in the Dominican Republic are accused of siphoning millions of dollars in state funds through a religious non-profit, showing how minimal oversight of these groups makes them ideal…
Weaponized Drones in Mexico: Game-Changer or Gimmick?
Every few years, a new spectacular tactic used by criminal groups captures the world’s attention. But like the narco-tank seen in 2011, bomb-strapped drones in Mexico haven’t actually offered much…
Can DEA Dismantle Panama's Top Gang?
US counterdrug agents and authorities in Panama have recently targeted one of the country's largest gangs, revealing its ability to coordinate drug shipments northward. But the group, known as Bagdad,…
Colombia Decides EPL is No Longer Major Threat
Colombia has downgraded the threat level of one of the country's oldest criminal groups, which means fewer resources and troops will go toward fighting it.
Colombia Teachers - Last Line of Defense Against Forced Recruitment
Colombia remains a hotspot for forced recruitment of minors. In this, the last of a three-part investigation by InSight Crime, journalist Mathew Charles looks at how school teachers are trying…
Land Grabbing: Tracing and Targeting the 'Invisible' Threat Destroying Colombia’s Forests
The sheer size of Colombia's reserves makes them a target for the illegal clearing, appropriation and sale of protected land.
Santa Ana, El Salvador
Santa Ana is a key transit point for criminal groups smuggling cocaine and marijuana between El Salvador and Guatemala. It also has a strong gang presence.
La Unión, El Salvador
La Unión’s two ports and its Pacific coastline are routinely used by cocaine smugglers moving drugs north in boats and submarines.
About InSight Crime
Combating Environmental Crime in Colombia
InSight Crime presented findings from an investigation into the main criminal activities fueling environmental destruction in Colombia.
Collaborating on Citizen Security Initiatives
Co-director Steven Dudley worked with Chemonics, a DC-based development firm, to analyze the organization’s citizen security programs in Mexico.
InSight Crime Deepens Its Connections with Universities
A partnership with the University for Peace will complement InSight Crime’s research methodology and expertise on Costa Rica.
With Support from USAID, InSight Crime Will Investigate Organized Crime in Haiti
The project will seek to map out Haiti's principal criminal economies, profile the specific groups and actors, and detail their links to elements of the state.
We Have Updated Our Website
Welcome to our new home page. We have revamped the site to create a better display and reader experience.
Stay Informed with Weekly InSight
Get fresh updates on organized crime from across the region delivered to your inbox.
SUBSCRIBE