Walter Patricio Arizala, alias “Guacho”

Walter Patricio Arizala, alias “Guacho,” was one of the most wanted criminals in both Colombia and Ecuador, after military forces made him a priority target. Guacho led the dissident members…

Inside the Mafia-Run Cocaine Network Shattered by European Police

In early December, authorities dramatically curtailed the power of the Pelle-Vottari clan -  a grouping within the formidable ‘Ndrangheta mafia — arresting Domenico Pelle along with 89 others associated with…

Attacks on Multinationals in Colombia: Signs of New Criminal Era

A series of attacks on multinational companies operating in Colombia could indicate that armed groups are shedding discipline for increased criminal gains, in a new era of organized crime in…

In Latest Blow to Urabeños, Colombia Government Takes Down 'El Indio'

With the death of “El Indio,” the Urabeños’ third-in-command, Colombian security forces have dealt another blow to the most powerful drug trafficking organization in the country, a sign that authorities…

The Colombian Mafia

The Colombian mafia comprises networks of localized and shadowy groups and figures involved in illicit economies.

Spain Arrests Alleged Colombia Drug Kingpin Hiding in the Limelight

Authorities in Spain have arrested a Colombian with celebrity connections on accusations that he used his jet-set lifestyle as cover for his role as the leader of an international drug…

José Bayron Piedrahita Ceballos, alias 'El Árabe,' or the 'Patron de Caucasia'

José Bayron Piedrahita Ceballos is presumed to be one of the biggest drug lords in Colombia. During his criminal career spanning more than 20 years, Piedrahita managed to stay out…

Shifting Criminal Dynamics Signal Violent Future for Colombia-Venezuela Border

Venezuela’s continued spiral into economic, political and social crisis and the demobilization of Colombia’s largest guerrilla group have shifted criminal dynamics on the Colombia-Venezuela border, transforming the region into…

GameChangers 2017: Is Colombia’s FARC Really Gone?

Has Colombia's FARC really left the country's criminal scene? Yes, and absolutely not. The rebel army is gone, and has become a political party. The FARC Mafia is just coming…

Óscar Mauricio Pachón, alias 'Puntilla'

Óscar Mauricio Pachón, alias “Puntilla,” was a drug trafficker who controlled a criminal network in Colombia’s strategic Eastern Plains.

Urabeños - Gulf Clan

The Urabeños emerged from the ashes of Colombia’s paramilitary movement to become a dominant criminal force across the country.

Oficina de Envigado

The Oficina de Envigado has evolved from a debt collection agency for Pablo Escobar to one of the most important criminal actors in Medellín.