This series of five case studies and one policy report explores how government mismanagement, neglect and corruption have made the jails in the region powerful incubators of organized crime.
Investigation Chapters
The Prison Dilemma: Latin America’s Incubators of Organized Crime
The prison system in Latin America and the Caribbean has become a prime incubator for organized crime. This overview — the first of six reports on prison systems that we produced after a year-long investigation — traces the origins and…
Reign of the Kaibil: Guatemala’s Prisons Under Byron Lima
Following Guatemala’s long and brutal civil war, members of the military were charged, faced trial and sentenced to jail time. Even some members of a powerful elite unit known as the Kaibil were put behind bars. Among these prisoners, none…
Where Chaos Reigns: Inside the San Pedro Sula Prison
In San Pedro Sula’s jailhouse, chaos reigns. The inmates, trapped in their collective misery, battle for control over every inch of their tight quarters. Farm animals and guard dogs roam free and feed off scraps, which can include a human…
Colombia’s Mirror: War and Drug Trafficking in the Prison System
Drug trafficking in Colombia’s prisons isn’t only run by prisoners, but also by the authorities controlling them.
El Salvador Prisons and the Battle for the MS13’s Soul
El Salvador’s prison system is the headquarters of the country’s largest gangs. It is also where one of these gangs, the MS13, is fighting amongst itself for control of the organization.
