Criminal Actors

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

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Jalisco Cartel New Generation (CJNG)

JALISCO CARTEL / JULY 8, 2020

The Jalisco Cartel New Generation is often considered Mexico's most feared cartel, whose operations stretch across the country.

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias 'El Mencho'

EL MENCHO / AUGUST 7, 2022

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias "El Mencho," has propelled the Jalisco Cartel’s growth to become a fierce and powerful cartel.

Guerreros Unidos

GUERREROS UNIDOS / AUGUST 13, 2021

The Guerreros Unidos operate in central Mexico and have been linked to the Ayotzinapa Massacre.

Martin Farfan Diaz Gonzalez, alias 'Pijarbey'

COLOMBIA / 2016-11-07 21:59:53

Martin Farfan Diaz Gonzalez, alias "Pijarbey" was a powerful criminal operative in Colombia's Eastern Plains region.

Fausto Isidro Meza Flores, alias 'Chapo Isidro'

BELTRAN LEYVA ORG / 2016-11-17

Fausto Isidro Meza Flores, alias "Chapo" leads the Meza Flores, though little is known of his current criminal activities.

Marcos de Jesus Figueroa Garcia, alias 'Marquitos'

COLOMBIA / 2016-11-17 14:46:48

Marcos de Jesus Figueroa Garcia, alias "Marquitos," is a Colombian smuggler and was captured by authorities in 2014.

Pure Third Command

BRAZIL / 26 APRIL, 2018

The Pure Third Command (Terceiro Comando Puro) is one of the most powerful criminal groups in Brazil’s second-largest city, Rio…

Valles

HONDURAS GROUPS / 2020-03-09 22:31:44

The Valles are one of Honduras' largest transport groups, using their base along the Guatemalan border to fortify their position…

Cachiros

CACHIROS / 21 JAN 2014

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

Chepe Handal

6 NOV 2013

Political hopeful Jose Miguel Handal Perez, alias “Chepe Handal,” may have failed in multiple attempts to run for office…

Victor Navarro, alias 'Megateo'

COLOMBIA / 2016-11-17 14:49:02

Victor Navarro, alias "Megateo," was considered the most important drug trafficker in Norte de Santander until his death.

Tijuana Cartel

MEXICO / 2018-02-13

The Tijuana Cartel is based in one of the most strategically important Mexico border cities for drug trafficking.

Latest

Paraguayan Prosecutors Indict Senator Linked to Transatlantic Cocaine Trade

COCAINE EUROPE / 29 MAY 2023

The impeachment of Paraguayan Congressman Erico Galeano for connections to drug trafficking shows progress against impunity in the country.

Guatemala Elites Flex Muscle, Excluding Leading Presidential Contender

ELITES AND CRIME / 26 MAY 2023

Carlos Pineda, the leading candidate in Guatemala's presidential elections, has been removed from the race on a technicality.

Brazil's PCC Complicates Fight Against Illegal Mining in Amazon

BRAZIL / 26 MAY 2023

The PCC appears to be providing support to illegal miners in the Yanomami territory in Brazil's northern state of Roraima.

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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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