News Analysis

The Rise and Fall of the Choneros, Ecuador’s Drug Trafficking Opportunists

The Choneros were once Ecuador's premier drug trafficking gang. InSight Crime documents their steady rise and their rapid fall.

Ex-President Sentenced as Panama Makes Progress Against Impunity

Former Panamanian president Ricardo Martinelli was sentenced to 10 years in prison for money laundering, putting him closer than ever…

Kidnappings Surge in Colombia Amid ELN Peace Negotiations

Kidnappings are rising across Colombia as the government prepares for a cease fire with the ELN, the country's largest remaining…

How Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel Has Stayed United for Decades

The Sinaloa Cartel has survived over thirty years as the top dogs of Mexico's drug trafficking world. What is the…

Guatemala’s Elections in Disarray As Corrupt Elites Cling to Power

In Guatemala, a series of conflicting rulings has left the country reeling, as the dominant political bloc tries desperately to…

DataInSights: Are Pretrial Detentions Fueling Organized Crime in Paraguay?

Listen to this article This audio was generated using text-to-speech software Insecurity is rising in Paraguay, and the government is…

Mexico's Rising Femicides Linked to Organized Crime

In Mexico, increased militarization and the “war on drugs” have contributed to rising gender-based violence.

Death of Iván Márquez Simplifies Colombia Peace Negotiations

Iván Márquez, former guerrilla commander, has reportedly died in Venezuela, with his death likely having far-reaching consequences for Colombia’s “Total…

UN Pushes Anti-Gang Intervention in Haiti Despite Past Failures

In response to extreme gang violence in Haiti, the UN has urged members to intercede. But past intervention efforts have…

In Venezuela, Contraband Networks Supply Rampant Wildcat Mining 

Illegal mining in Venezuela's Yapacana National Park has produced a parallel contraband economy to grow. And state actors know all…

Venezuela Security Policy: Armed Groups and Electoral Interference

For the third consecutive time, Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro is seeking reelection in the elections that will take place at…

Peruvian Coca Continues Expansion as New Regions Gain Importance 

Coca has increasingly expanded into Peru's border regions, as well as into indigenous communities and protected nature areas.