Latin America Sees Rise in Vaccine-related Crimes

As Latin American countries struggle to ramp up COVID-19 vaccination, crimes related to the illegal purchase of vaccines, including the sale of pilfered or fake doses, have surged, along with…

Ponzi and Pyramid Schemes Spread Across Caribbean

A new investigative report shows Ponzi and pyramid schemes have proliferated across Caribbean countries during the pandemic, and authorities have been unable to keep up.

Parrots, Toucans and Monkeys Delivered Across Mexico

Illegally buying endangered species via social media has grown increasingly convenient in Mexico, especially given its feeble environmental controls and increased e-commerce during the pandemic.

LatAm Crime Groups Set Sights on Europe’s Bustling Cocaine Market

With higher profits and lower risks than the United States, Europe has emerged recently as arguably the most important cocaine market in the world.

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…

French Guiana’s Unpatrolled Waters Lure Illegal Fishing Crews

Illegal fishing off the coast of French Guiana surged amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as French maritime patrols struggled to mobilize resources, luring illegal fishing crews to the country's pristine waters.

Black Market Medication Grows Controversial in Cuba

Cuban health officials have warned against taking medication believed to be smuggled in from Haiti after reports of adverse side effects, pointing to Cuba’s growing dependence on the black…

Oxygen Shortage in Mexico Spurs Profiteering

With oxygen in short supply in Mexico amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a black market is expanding -- in another example of medical shortages spurring fraud and profiteering.

Loan Sharks Circle as Latin America Reels From Pandemic

As workers across Latin America struggle to stay afloat amid economic strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, loan sharks offering abusive interest rates have cornered the market, forcing workers seeking…

Pandemic Aid Money Fuels Brazil's Bank Robberies

Authorities in Brazil have dismantled a criminal organization specialized in the cloning of debit cards to steal emergency aid and other relief funds, highlighting how criminal groups are cashing in…

Liquid Gold - False COVID-19 Vaccines Emerge in Latin America

In 2021, the COVID-19 vaccine is liquid gold. As governments begin to roll out inoculation programs, criminal groups are taking advantage of the anxious interim, offering a range of scams…

Migrants at Risk as Coronavirus Shutters Mexico Shelters

The coronavirus pandemic has forced migrant shelters in Mexico to close or limit capacity, exacerbating an already precarious situation for migrants vulnerable to the predations of criminal groups.