One region, all voices

Organized crime

Organized crime and human development: the urgency of a structural response in Latin America

The rise of organized crime in Latin America threatens not only security, but the very foundations of human development and democracy in the region.

Why is organized crime becoming increasingly serious in Latin America?

For decades, drug cartels have wielded profound political influence in Latin America. With the evolution and diversification of new illicit markets that move trillions of dollars, the corrupting capacity of criminal networks challenges the survival of democratic institutions.

Dangerous ‘Influencers’: Organized crime on social media

In the digital age, criminal gangs have found TikTok to be a powerful tool for seduction, appealing to emotions and symbols to recruit young people.

Disappearing twice in Mexico

Although the current administration has shown a willingness to acknowledge the problem, since the previous administration, in which there were no meetings with the mothers or collectives, the official narrative has been responsible for minimizing the tragedy.

Silent infiltration: criminal ‘brokers’ and their impact on Latin America’s formal economy

Regulatory frameworks and international cooperation must be strengthened to effectively combat these threats to Latin America's economic and social stability.

Why Are Violence and Crime Worsening in Ecuador?

The militarization of internal security was justified as a response to the severe wave of violence that made 2023 the most violent year in the country's history.