This year, several criminal actors stood out for their staying power or ability to adapt in the face of an ever-evolving criminal panorama. Their stories not only reveal the brutality and resilience of criminal networks but also the urgent need to develop comprehensive strategies to counter their influence.
High-profile criminals often personify the complex dynamics of organized crime and reflect its negative impact on society. For thousands of young people in the region, the leaders or members of criminal organizations have become icons, amplifying a seductive life built on a narrative of success. From legacies that continue to shape criminal culture to new leaders who redefine the balance of power, these actors are persistent threats to citizen security in the region.
1. Pablo Escobar: The Symbol of a Bygone Era Lives On
Even 30 years after his death, Pablo Escobar remains the emblem of a nearly extinct drug trafficking era dominated by hierarchical groups in Colombia. His life, marked by extreme violence and ostentatious wealth, continues to shape organized crime narratives. Contemporary manifestations of his legacy, ranging from pop culture to the environmental impact of his infamous hippos, underscore his status as a controversial historical and cultural icon.
2. El Mayo: A Capo in Captivity
The capture of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, long considered one of the Sinaloa Cartel’s most strategic and elusive leaders, marked a turning point this year. His arrest leaves questions about the group’s future amid growing internal fractures, exacerbated by his kidnapping and betrayal by one of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán’s sons, who handed him over to US authorities as a bargaining chip in an ambush. As one of the last major figures of the old guard of organized crime, his fall could represent the end of an era.
SEE ALSO: Truth or Lie? A Letter From El Mayo Fuels Mexico-US Tensions Over Sinaloa Cartel Arrests
3. Emma Coronel: A New Chapter for El Chapo’s Wife
Following her release from prison last year, Emma Coronel, the wife of El Chapo Guzmán, re-emerged into the public eye, capturing attention in the world of fashion and culture. Her story, which combines loyalty, infamy, and resilience, continues to fuel fascination with the personal lives of prominent women in drug trafficking groups, their families, and the role of women in drug trafficking leadership.
SEE ALSO: Emma Coronel’s Music Video Debut Plays to ‘Buchona’ Stereotypes
4. Barbecue: A Rising Figure in Haiti’s Crisis
Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, the leader of Haiti’s powerful G9 gang coalition, gained international prominence this year amid the country’s political and humanitarian collapse. As gangs increasingly fill the power vacuum left by the deteriorating state, Barbecue’s role as a brutal enforcer and self-proclaimed revolutionary highlights the complexities of organized crime in Haiti.
5. Marllory Chacón, “The Queen of the South”: New Interest in Female Crime Leaders
Marllory Chacón, known as “the Queen of the South,” became prominent this year amid growing attention on women in organized crime. Her story as one of Central America’s most prolific drug traffickers reflects a broader interest in female figures like Griselda Blanco and the role of women in shaping the underworld.
