Criminal Actors

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

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Tarzanes

NICARAGUA / 2017-03-09 21:31:39

This Nicaraguan drug trafficking group is linked to the Reyes Aragon family, headed by Augustin Reyes Aragon and his six…

Reñazcos

NICARAGUA / 2017-03-09 21:32:56

A Nicaraguan drug transport gang, the Reñazco family is believed to move cocaine shipments along Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast and provide…

Francisco Zeledon

FRANCISCO ZELEDON / 2017-03-09 21:34:20

Francisco, or Frank, Zeledon, allegedly runs a drug trafficking network from the city of Bluefields on Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast. He…

Amauri Carmona Morelos

AMAURI CARMONA MORELOS / 2017-08-28

Amauri Carmona Morelos, who also goes by the name Alberto Ruiz Cano and Amauri Paudd, is an alleged drug trafficker…

Zetas

MEXICO / AUGUST 6, 2022

The Zetas were once the most feared cartel in Mexico, pioneering many of the terror tactics that have defined the…

Zetas

MEXICO GROUPS / 21 JAN 2012

Beginning as a group of Special Forces deserters at the service of the Gulf Cartel, the Zetas would go on…

Henry de Jesús López, alias 'Mi Sangre'

AUC / 2017-03-09 22:14:34

Medellin native Henry de Jesus Lopez, alias "Mi Sangre," had a prolific criminal career that saw him…

Jose Eberto Lopez Montero, alias 'Caracho'

CARACHO / 2017-03-09 22:17:24

Jose Eberto Lopez Montero, alias "Caracho," is a former soldier who was recruited into the ranks of the United Self-Defense…

Rodrigo Londoño Echeverri, alias 'Timochenko'

COLOMBIA PERSONALITIES / JANUARY 28, 2020

Rodrigo Londoño Echeverri, alias "Timochenko," is only the third commander-in-chief in the FARC's nearly 50-year history. Of the three, Timochenko…

Cleaning Up Colombia's Vote: The Government Response

COLOMBIA / 25 OCT 2011

Colombia is hoping to stop criminals from winning elected office across the country by increasing its scrutiny of candidates. But…

Despite Security Gains, Violence Stalks Colombia's Elections

COLOMBIA / 25 OCT 2011

Colombia has seen 41 candidates killed ahead of local elections. This does not bode well for the progress of democracy.

The New Political Face of Colombia's Drug Gangs

COLOMBIA / 24 OCT 2011

Colombia's new generation criminal gangs, known as BACRIMs, are following the tradition of their predecessors in the AUC.

Latest

Colombia Expands Investigation of Gender Violence in Its Armed Conflict

AUC / 29 SEP 2023

Colombia’s transitional justice body has launched an in-depth study of how sexual and gender-based violence was used as a weapon of war.

Nigerian Couriers Central to Brazil-West Africa Cocaine Route

BRAZIL / 28 SEP 2023

Although they traffic cocaine in smaller amounts, Nigerian groups still manage to move large quantities from Brazil to world markets.

Migrant Smugglers Continue to Benefit From Venezuela Crisis, US Policy

MEXICO / 27 SEP 2023

International experts are predicting continued high levels of migration from Venezuela, which could prove a boon for organized crime groups that have already capitalized on the ongoing exodus and confusion…

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