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The Next Generation of Criminal Groups Driving Violence in Mexico

BELTRAN LEYVA ORG / 12 AUG 2021

Mexico's process of criminal fragmentation has been a slow burn. Many of the country's mightiest criminal groups have been unable to stay united, either due to internal strife, incursions from…

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…

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THE ORGANIZATION

Who Are Memo Fantasma and Sergio Roberto de Carvalho?

24 JUN 2022

Inside the criminal career of Memo Fantasma  In March 2020, InSight Crime revealed the identity and whereabouts of Memo Fantasma, a paramilitary commander and drug trafficker living in…

THE ORGANIZATION

Environmental and Academic Praise

17 JUN 2022

InSight Crime’s six-part series on the plunder of the Peruvian Amazon continues to inform the debate on environmental security in the region. Our Environmental Crimes Project Manager, María Fernanda Ramírez,…

LA ORGANIZACIÓN

Series on Plunder of Peru’s Amazon Makes Headlines

10 JUN 2022

Since launching on June 2, InSight Crime’s six-part series on environmental crime in Peru’s Amazon has been well-received. Detailing the shocking impunity enjoyed by those plundering the rainforest, the investigation…

THE ORGANIZATION

Duarte’s Death Makes Waves

3 JUN 2022

The announcement of the death of Gentil Duarte, one of the top dissident commanders of the defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), continues to reverberate in Venezuela and Colombia.

THE ORGANIZATION

Cattle Trafficking Acclaim, Investigation into Peru’s Amazon 

27 MAY 2022

On May 18, InSight Crime launched its most recent investigation into cattle trafficking between Central America and Mexico. It showed precisely how beef, illicitly produced in Honduras, Guatemala…

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