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.