Criminal Actors

Histories and profiles of organized crime groups, insurgencies, street gangs, vigilantes and the criminal actors that lead them.

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Cachiros

HONDURAS GROUPS / 12 SEP 2017

The Cachiros were one of Honduras' largest transport groups, with a net worth close to $1 billion. Made up of…

Perrones Cartel

EL SALVADOR GROUPS / 11 SEP 2017

The Perrones are El Salvador's most infamous transportation group. Made up of a mix of hoteliers, human smugglers, and contraband…

Texis Cartel

EL SALVADOR GROUPS / 11 SEP 2017

Unlike some Central American gangs that have earned fame for their brutality and their liberal use of violence, the Cartel…

MS13

EL SALVADOR GROUPS / 11 SEP 2017

The Mara Salvatrucha, or MS13, is perhaps the most notorious street gang in the Western Hemisphere. While it has its…

FARC

COLOMBIA GROUPS / 6 SEP 2017

ELN

COLOMBIA GROUPS / 6 SEP 2017

The National Liberation Army (Ejército de Liberación Nacional - ELN) is one of the two main guerrilla armies with left-wing…

AUC

COLOMBIA GROUPS / 6 SEP 2017

Latest

El Salvador Police Reports Contradict Bukele's Triumphalism

BARRIO 18 / 22 SEP 2023

Confidential police reports reveal that the three main gangs operating in El Salvador remain a real threat.

How El Salvador’s Police Creates, Uses Its Gang Database

BARRIO 18 / 22 SEP 2023

A close look at El Salvador's Police Information System, which is used to collect and analyze information on criminals in the country.

Venezuelan Military ‘Invades’ Notorious Prison

PRISONS / 20 SEP 2023

In a clear show of force, the Venezuelan state launched an unprecedented operation, surrounding the Tocorón prison in Aragua.

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A country-by-country breakdown of the news as well as key criminal groups and players across Latin America and the Caribbean.

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