News Analysis

Brazil’s Emerald Exports – The Latest Revelations About Dario Messer

Messer, the notoriously prolific money launderer, was able to move millions of dollars through Brazil’s emerald mining industry, adding yet…

Costa Rica Cocaine Theft Ring Relies on Crooked Agents

The dismantling of a Costa Rican drug gang that worked with agents in an elite investigative unit to steal cocaine…

Underwater Drone Would Have Secretly Delivered Cocaine to Europe

A successful Detroit telecommunications businessman secretly bankrolled the development and construction of an underwater drone, which could have been used…

Ecuador’s Self-Defeating Anti-Trafficking Law

While authorities in Ecuador tally record cocaine seizures, a change to the criminal code in the Andean country has possibly…

Are Cartels Connected to Booming Truck Theft in Mexico?

Tens of thousands of trucks on Mexico’s highways are being robbed of cargo every year, with criminal gangs becoming more…

US, Mexico Sanctions Offer Insights Into CJNG Hierarchy

Sanctions recently imposed by the United States and Mexico on members of the CJNG that are allegedly linked to two…

US Announcement Against Corrupt Paraguay Official May Signal Shift

Recent punitive action taken by the United States against Paraguayan officials has reinforced how far corruption underpins the South American…

Criminal Groups Zero in on Mexico Resort Construction

Criminal groups in one of Mexico's most popular tourist regions have found yet another sector to extort and terrorize: hotel…

Bitcoin Cryptocurrency Adds to Venezuela Money Laundering Risk

Venezuela is increasingly turning to the cryptocurrency Bitcoin, raising questions about its possible use in laundering money and evading US…

Digging Into Dirty Gold Across the Americas

Illegal gold mining is devastating South America's jungles. The trade has been destroying large swaths of forest and flooding rivers…

Venezuela Kingpin’s Arrest Leaves Power Vacuum on Caribbean Coast

Recent drug charges against a little-known but powerful Venezuelan businessman come as a surprise given that he allegedly operated with…

Organized Real Estate Fraud Rings Threaten Property Owners in Costa Rica

With owners of expensive lots kept away from Costa Rica because of COVID-19 restrictions, organized property fraud rings have enlisted…