5 Takeaways From US Indictments of Chapitos, Associates
US prosecutors have provided an unprecedented look at how the Chapitos operate in Mexico and how they dominate the fentanyl trade.
What Mexico’s Posture on Fentanyl Says About US Relations
The complex history of the "drug war" in Mexico is hindering its collaboration with the US on the synthetic opioid, fentanyl.
After US Hearing on Fentanyl, Is It Time to Retire the Word ‘Cartel’?
The misuse of the term "cartel" by US lawmakers at a recent hearing on fentanyl prompts us to ask: should "cartel" be retired?…
Is Nayib Bukele's 'Iron Fist' in El Salvador Working?
In El Salvador, crackdowns have led to rapid improvements in security. But there is real doubt about whether gangs are gone for good or what Bukele’s real motives may have…
GameChangers 2022: ‘Pink Cocaine,’ Cross-Border Battles, and the Frustrating Fight Against Mafia States
InSight Crime's GameChangers 2022 looks back at the most consequential criminal stories across Latin America this year.
Historic Judgement Shows How Guatemala Is Still Fighting Its Past
Guatemala's former President Otto Pérez Molina and former Vice President Roxana Baldetti were sentenced to 16 years in prison on December 7.
Human Smugglers Outsourcing Drivers, Wreaking Havoc on US-Mexico Border
Authorities in Arizona are sounding the alarm about the rising use of outsiders as drivers for human smuggling.
A Cartel Bodyguard in Mexico’s 'Hot Land'
In the mountains of Michoacán, Mexico, Carlos was trained to become a ruthless soldier for the Cárteles Unidos.
‘Forgiveness’ and the Sticky Question of Justice in Mexico
Cartels like the Chapitos have asked for forgiveness from the Mexican people. Will it ever be given?…
Did an MS13-El Salvador Govt Pact Temporarily Halt Gang Extraditions?
Multiple sources from the United States and El Salvador say the recent decision to temporarily halt the extradition of several top MS13 leaders to face US charges may be related…
Chasing Brazil’s Premier Money Launderer
There were few better at money laundering than the Brazilian Dario Messer, who, while scrambling to save himself from Brazilian authorities, did one last tour of his prime refuge, Paraguay,…
Intercepts Show How Brazil Police Extort PCC
“Plata o Plomo” is an overused phrase to describe the way criminals threaten officials and civilians to ensure compliance with their wishes. In one Brazilian case, it seems more appropriately…