Venezuela Kills Gang Leader Whose Political Connections Were 'Open Secret'
The killing of Venezuelan criminal, alias "El Conejo," by authorities is being reported as a major coup. The reality is more complex.
Venezuela Oil Minister Resigns Amid Political Fight With Criminal Ramifications
The resignation of Venezuela's Oil Minister, Tareck El Aissami, after the arrest of a close ally may precede a sensational fall.
Venezuela's Maduro Is Key to Colombia’s 'Total Peace'
Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro will play a vital role in the success of Colombia's peace talks with the ELN. Is that a good thing?…
Brutal but Futile: Venezuela's Anti-Gang 'Mega-Operations'
Venezuelan security forces carry out violent invasions of neighborhoods controlled by gangs, but there is little evidence of their success.
Venezuelan Migrants Remain Easy Prey for Organized Crime
A new report has highlighted that organized crime is profiting from the exploitation of millions of migrants from Venezuela.
Doubts Remain Over Venezuela’s Efforts to Stop Illegal Mining
Venezuela has acted against illegal miners. But with close ties between the state and these mining groups, are efforts genuine?…
Venezuela's Organized Crime Top 10 for 2023
InSight Crime has developed its own methodology to rank Venezuela's organized crime groups. Here, we present the strongest.
Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, alias 'Niño Guerrero'
Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, alias “Niño Guerrero," is the leader of Tren de Aragua, Venezuela's largest homegrown criminal group.
Yeico Masacre
Erick Alberto Parra Mendoza, alias “Yeico Masacre”, is the leader of one of the most violent gangs in Venezuela's state of Zulia.
Violence Against Women Regular Tactic for Venezuela Criminal Groups
Femicides in Venezuela have become a common tactic for organized crime groups, targeting partners and relatives of rivals.
Venezuela's Police Reform Unlikely to Halt Corrupt Ties to Organized Crime
A long-touted police reform in Venezuela would likely have a limited impact on rampant corruption in the ranks.
GameChangers 2022: Maduro Seeks to Be Venezuela’s Criminal Kingmaker
After a tough few years for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, 2022 was spent reinforcing his power in the political and criminal realms.
About InSight Crime
Venezuela Coverage Continues to be Highlighted
This week, InSight Crime co-director Jeremy McDermott was the featured guest on the Americas Quarterly podcast, where he provided an expert overview of the changing dynamics…
Venezuela's Organized Crime Top 10 Attracts Attention
Last week, InSight Crime published its ranking of Venezuela’s ten organized crime groups to accompany the launch of the Venezuela Organized Crime Observatory. Read…
InSight Crime on El País Podcast
This week, InSight Crime co-founder, Jeremy McDermott, was among experts featured in an El País podcast on the progress of Colombia’s nascent peace process.
InSight Crime Interviewed by Associated Press
This week, InSight Crime’s Co-director Jeremy McDermott was interviewed by the Associated Press on developments in Haiti as the country continues its prolonged collapse. McDermott’s words were republished around the world,…
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…
Stay Informed with Weekly InSight
Get fresh updates on organized crime from across the region delivered to your inbox.
SUBSCRIBE