All About Panama

COLOMBIA / 8 SEP 2016

A binational operation has reportedly disbanded one of the most wanted criminal organizations in Panama, exposing an intricate drug trafficking network that suggests local gangs could be making the leap…

PANAMA / 5 SEP 2016

Recent arrests of officials for alleged corruption is a sign that Panama's newly created anticorruption task force is off to a good start, but it is also a reminder of…

PANAMA / NOVEMBER 3, 2021

Calor Calor is one of Panama’s two most powerful gangs along with Bagdad, and the two battle fiercely for territorial control.

CARIBBEAN / 26 JUL 2016

Panama and Guatemala have seen a sizeable increase in drug seizures through the first half of 2016, an indication of Central America's persistent importance as a trafficking route to the…

PANAMA / MARCH 24, 2021

Panama's location connecting Central and South America has made it a key transit point for illicit trade, as well as a refuge and negotiating area for criminal organizations. Its favorable…

DRUG POLICY / 11 JUL 2016

Panama and Mexico signed a series of agreements during a regional security summit in Panama City, highlighting the push in Latin America to foster cooperation between nations in the struggle…

PANAMA / 11 JUL 2016

Interpol has warned that drug traffickers could capitalize on the expansion of the Panama Canal, in a reminder of the crucial but often underreported role of maritime shipping in the…

GUATEMALA / 30 JUN 2016

Authorities across Central America have dismantled a migrant smuggling network that spanned from Brazil to Mexico, a remarkable sting operation that comes amid heightened US concerns of potential terrorists using…

MICROTRAFFICKING / 24 JUN 2016

Police operations are cracking down on one of Panama's two main rival gangs at a time when the local groups are becoming increasingly involved in transnational organized crime.

ELITES AND CRIME / 27 MAY 2016

Panama's highest court has asked the foreign relations ministry to approve an extradition request for ex-president Ricardo Martinelli, marking a new step in a case that has seen the former…

COLOMBIA / 10 MAY 2016

Panama has announced that it will temporarily close its border with Colombia in an attempt to halt irregular migration, a decision that could impact the dynamics of human smuggling in…

ELITES AND CRIME / 6 MAY 2016

The US Treasury Department has designated a powerful Panama-based business family for heading an international money laundering network connected to drug trafficking, drawing renewed scrutiny on Panama as a hub…

About InSight Crime

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All Eyes on Ecuador

2 JUN 2023

Our coverage of organized crime in Ecuador continues to be a valuable resource for international and local news outlets. Internationally, Reuters cited our 2022 Homicide Round-Up,…

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Open Position: Social Media and Engagement Strategist

27 MAY 2023

InSight Crime is looking for a Social Media and Engagement Strategist who will be focused on maintaining and improving InSight Crime’s reputation and interaction with its audiences through publishing activities…

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Venezuela Coverage Receives Great Reception

27 MAY 2023

Several of InSight Crime’s most recent articles about Venezuela have been well received by regional media. Our article on Venezuela’s colectivos expanding beyond their political role to control access to…

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InSight Crime's Chemical Precursor Report Continues

19 MAY 2023

For the second week in a row, our investigation into the flow of precursor chemicals for the manufacture of synthetic drugs in Mexico has been cited by multiple regional media…

THE ORGANIZATION

InSight Crime’s Chemical Precursor Report Widely Cited

THE ORGANIZATION / 12 MAY 2023

We are proud to see that our recently published investigation into the supply chain of chemical precursors feeding Mexico’s synthetic drug production has been warmly received.