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Extortion
Extortion plagues much of Latin America. The pernicious crime plays out in many ways, and citizens suffer.
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Women Taking Bigger Role in Central America Extortion Schemes
NEWS
/
11 MAY 2021
A new report suggests women are increasingly playing an active role in the extortion activities of Central American gangs -- part of a larger pattern in which women's roles in…
Criminal Groups Zero in on Mexico Resort Construction
NEWS
/
8 APR 2021
Criminal groups in one of Mexico's most popular tourist regions have found yet another sector to extort and terrorize: hotel builders.
Loan Sharks Circle as Latin America Reels From Pandemic
BRIEF
/
3 FEB 2021
As workers across Latin America struggle to stay afloat amid economic strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, loan sharks offering abusive interest rates have cornered the market, forcing workers seeking…
Guatemala’s Anti-Extortion Plan: A Legacy of Unkept Promises
ANALYSIS
/
29 JAN 2021
It was one of Alejandro Giammattei’s most emphatic promises. One year later, the Interior Ministry supported his strategy to reduce extortions by cutting off access to communication devices among the…
Shrimp Gangs Rob, Extort, Kill in Ecuador
BRIEF
/
2 JAN 2021
The persistent robbery, extortion, assault and even murder of shrimp farm workers by armed gangs in Ecuador has led the shrimp sector to once more demand gun reforms, in a…
Intercepts Show How Brazil Police Extort PCC
INVESTIGATIONS
/
18 DEC 2020
“Plata o Plomo” is an overused phrase to describe the way criminals threaten officials and civilians to ensure compliance with their wishes. In one Brazilian case, it seems more appropriately…
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