The Future of Venezuela's Hybrid State

President Maduro has proven highly resilient, weathering sanctions abroad and an economic crisis at home. His hybrid state creation helped him to do so.

Maduro's Peace Defender Squads Are Anything But Peaceful

Extortion, black markets, repressing political opponents: The Cupaz react with brutal efficiency to opportunities across Venezuela.

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 the end of 2024. If this election is like the…

In Lara, Venezuela, Criminal 'Colectivos' Control Public Services

“They keep an eye on the transportation and the water. When something is damaged, they work with officials and fix it. They control the gas stations," said a resident of…

A Seat at the Table: What New Governors in Venezuela Mean for Organized Crime

November regional elections brought changes to many powerful offices in regions where criminal organizations wield significant political power, highlighting the significance of localized criminal dynamics and the consolidated grip of…

El Koki or Wilexis – Who Runs Caracas’ Most Powerful Drug Gang?

Unsurprisingly, Caracas consumes more drugs than anywhere else in the country. And despite a catastrophic economic crisis, a handful of gangs continue to make strong profits from microtrafficking in the…

El Koki's Victory – An Urban Invasion in Caracas

El Coqui seemed to be comfortable. Caracas’ foremost gang boss had, for several years, dominated the sprawling neighborhood of Cota 905, a densely packed and poor part of western Caracas.

Colectivos Ramp Up Property Seizures in Venezuela

An increase in the number of reports of illegal invasions of homes and commercial establishments in Venezuela during the pandemic has revealed the ever-widening criminal portfolio managed by militant civilian…

GameChangers 2020: Tren de Aragua and the Exportation of Venezuelan Organized Crime

Venezuela has long been known as a strategic rearguard for Colombia guerrilla groups. Yet 2020 saw the acceleration of a newer dynamic: Venezuelan gangs now rival their Colombian counterparts in…

GameChangers 2019: As Venezuela Sinks, Maduro’s Criminal Ties Keep Him Afloat

Venezuela remained mired in crisis throughout 2019, yet Nicolás Maduro actually consolidated his regime. How did he do it?…

Venezuela Reports Show FAES Police Unit Targeting Key Megabandas

A slew of media reports from Venezuela appear to show an elite police unit, blamed for numerous extrajudicial executions, going after two of the country's powerful criminal organizations in recent…

Graffiti Death Threats - Venezuela's New Tool of Fear

The recent appearance of threatening graffiti targeting political, social and student leaders in Venezuela is a previously unknown tactic in the country, although it is similar to commonplace practices among…