Knights Templar

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A Guatemala Arrest, a US Indictment, and a Mexico Attack

KNIGHTS TEMPLAR / 2 APR 2021

Following the arrest of a former Mexican mayor in Guatemala, US prosecutors unveiled an indictment against him and criminal rivals allegedly attacked the town he once ruled.

Worth Its Weight In Gold: New Unit Combats Mine Heists In Mexico

KNIGHTS TEMPLAR / 28 OCT 2020

Six months after a sophisticated robbery where gunmen hijacked gold and silver bars being loaded onto a plane in Mexico, the government has stood up a specialized force to secure…

The Life and Death of a Mexican Hitman

KNIGHTS TEMPLAR / 18 FEB 2019

It’s 7 pm on a Sunday, and night is falling in this Michoacán town. The heat of the day is past, and there’s a pleasant breeze. The first visitors to…

Mexico Arrests Knights Templar Leader, Cementing Group's Demise

JALISCO CARTEL / 22 JUN 2017

Authorities in Mexico have arrested one of the last main leaders of the Knights Templar crime group, likely leaving the organization's already debilitated leadership in further disarray and raising…

Praying for Death: Blood Sacrifice and Organized Crime in Latin America

KNIGHTS TEMPLAR / 17 JAN 2017

A new collection of essays tackles patterns of cultish behavior and ritualized violence among illegal groups across the globe, from the Zetas and the Familia Michoacana to Al Qaeda and…

How the MS13 Got Its Foothold in Transnational Drug Trafficking

KNIGHTS TEMPLAR / 30 NOV 2016

Throughout the continent, the debate on whether or not the Mara Salvatrucha (MS13) gang is working with or for drug traffickers continues. In this investigation, journalist Carlos García tells the…

Helicopter Shoot-Down Could Signal Resurgence of Mexico Cartel

KNIGHTS TEMPLAR / 7 SEP 2016

The recent downing of a government helicopter in Michoacán, Mexico could signal the re-emergence of what was once one of the country's most powerful criminal groups.

Municipal Murders Highlight Local Corruption in Mexico

KNIGHTS TEMPLAR / 2 AUG 2016

A mayor and four municipal police officers were arrested for the grisly murder of 10 people in Mexico's turbulent state of Michoacán, an event that could prompt debate over the…

'New' Vigilante Groups Keep a Violent Tradition Alive in Michoacán

KNIGHTS TEMPLAR / 13 APR 2016

The appearance of new and recycled armed groups whose motives are as questionable as their video-making credentials is the latest manifestation of Michoacán's continued decent into nebulous criminal-vigilante territory.

'Nueva Familia' Announces Arrival amid Michoacán Turmoil

JALISCO CARTEL / 8 FEB 2016

"Narco-banners" hung around Michoacán have announced the arrival of a new criminal organization in a sign the underworld in the troubled central Mexican state is reorganizing yet again after several…

Narco Negotiations Blamed for Mexico Birthday Party Massacre

BELTRAN LEYVA ORG / 4 FEB 2016

Authorities in Guerrero, Mexico have claimed a fatal shootout at a child's birthday party was the result of a breakdown in negotiations during a narco-summit, which if true is an…

Militias in Mexico: Citizens’ Security or Further Conflict Escalation?

KNIGHTS TEMPLAR / 22 DEC 2015

This article explores the security and political effects of militia forces that emerged in Mexico in recent years in reaction to violent organized crime, most prominently in the states of…

Mexico Recycles Security Strategy in Embattled Michoacan

KNIGHTS TEMPLAR / 8 OCT 2015

Mexico President Enrique Peña Nieto's mass deployment of federal forces to Michoacan is reminiscent of his predecessor Felipe Calderon's militarized security strategy in the troubled state. …

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About InSight Crime

ABOUT US

THE ORGANIZATION

Unraveling the Web of Elites Connected to Organized Crime

27 JUL 2021

InSight Crime published Elites and Organized Crime in Nicaragua, a deep dive into the relationships between criminal actors and elites in that Central American nation.

THE ORGANIZATION

InSight Crime’s Greater Focus on US-Mexico Border

20 JUL 2021

InSight Crime has decided to turn many of its investigative resources towards understanding and chronicling the criminal dynamics along the US-Mexico border.

THE ORGANIZATION

Key Arrests and Police Budget Increases Due to InSight Crime Investigations

8 JUL 2021

With Memo Fantasma’s arrest, InSight Crime has proven that our investigations can and will uncover major criminal threats in the Americas.

THE ORGANIZATION

Organized Crime’s Influence on Gender-Based Violence

30 JUN 2021

InSight Crime investigator Laura N. Ávila spoke on organized crime and gender-based violence at the launch of a research project by the United Nations Development Programme.