How Religious Militias and Warrior Mentalities Mix in Rio de Janeiro

Brazil's city of Rio de Janeiro is suffering a major security crisis, as gender and religion affect organized crime in the city.

Rio's Campaign Against Red Command Achieving Little But Increasing Body Count

A continuing campaign of terror against Red Command neighborhoods in Rio has done little but kill dozens of people.

How Brazil's Gangs Took Their War to Santa Cruz, Bolivia

The gunning down of two Brazilian traffickers in a Bolivian border department is the latest example of spillover violence wrought by Brazil's two most powerful gangs in their effort to…

Brazil Tries to Reclaim Rio's Favelas - Ad Infinitum

Residents in Rio de Janeiro's marginalized favelas are contending with yet another massive police operation promising to deliver a true state presence. That is, once the territory has been reclaimed…

Brazil Police Target Legacy of Infamous Drug Trafficker, Fernandinho Beira-Mar

The death of a top Red Command leader near Rio de Janeiro raises questions about the success of coordinated attempts to weaken one of Brazil’s toughest gangs, both materially and…

New Cocaine, Marijuana Trafficking Connections Between Colombia, Brazil

The dismantling of a gang trafficking marijuana and cocaine from Colombia to Brazil has revealed greater connections between organized crime in both countries.

Could Militia-Red Command Feud Explain Manaus Violence in Brazil?

Manaus, the economic heart of Brazil’s Amazon, has come under siege from the Red Command gang after the killing of a top drug leader. But these attacks may be the…

Rage, Rinse, Repeat - The Futile Cycle of Anger at Rio's Police

The stranger burst into the house, staggering and leaving a trail of blood behind him. He ran into the back, into the bedroom of the nine-year-old girl. Police were not…

How Brazil’s Borders Became More Diverse, Dangerous

Criminal dynamics in Brazil, particularly its drug trafficking routes, have been shaken up in recent years by the rapid expansion of the PCC.

Paraná, Brazil

Paraná is a hub for drug trafficking. Vast quantities of cocaine and marijuana enter the state from Paraguay, via the Paraná River, and from Foz do Iguaçu.

Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Mato Grosso do Sul is among Brazil’s most strategic states for transnational crime.

Paraguay Grapples with Evolving Crime, Persistent Corruption

Paraguay has long been a key link in South America's drug trafficking chain, but has grown in importance with the emergence of new criminal players and economies.