Latin America and the Caribbean continue to grapple with the pervasive threat of organized crime, as evident from significant turmoil and reshaping occurring within its most notorious criminal networks. The year has witnessed internal conflicts within these groups, mounting pressure from authorities, and groundbreaking international coalitions aimed at enhancing regional security.
One glaring example of the upheaval among these criminal factions is the Sinaloa Cartel, which has faced severe rifts between its two main factions led by El Mayo Zambada and the Chapitos. Following the alleged kidnapping of El Mayo by the Chapitos, violent clashes erupted, showcasing deep-seated grievances and competition for power within one of the world's most formidable drug trafficking organizations. The turmoil raises questions about the organization's future, emphasizing both its vulnerability and resilience.
Meanwhile, the Tren de Aragua gang from Venezuela, notorious for its rapidly spreading infamy, is also undergoing significant changes. This group, frequently referenced by influential figures like Donald Trump, has expanded its reach, yet it faces vulnerabilities highlighted by high-profile arrests of its leadership. With authorities tightening their grip on criminal activities, the group’s future remains uncertain.
On the other hand, Colombia's largest guerrilla group, the National Liberation Army (Ejército de Liberación Nacional or ELN), has experienced internal strife just as peace negotiations with the government hit rock bottom. This disunity could exacerbate localized violence, posing challenges to future negotiations. Despite the bleak situation, the government and the ELN plan to reconvene talks in 2025, sparking cautious optimism.
Presidential strategies also weigh heavily on gang dynamics. El Salvador's president, Nayib Bukele, implemented strict crackdowns on MS-13, leading to mass arrests and shrinking the gang's influence. While some critics decry human rights violations associated with his tactics, the reduction of MS-13's public presence marks one of the year's most compelling developments.
Further north, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) has drawn the ire of U.S. authorities who ramped up sanctions and rewards for information leading to the capture of its leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho.” This intergovernmental pressure targets the CJNG due to its reputation as one of Mexico's most violent groups.
The disarray among these groups aligns with broader regional efforts to combat organized crime, illustrated by the Inter-American Development Bank's (IDB) recent initiative to launch a regional security alliance. Announced from Barbados and bringing together 18 governments, this alliance signifies collective recognition of security's role in economic development. IDB President Ilan Goldfajn attributed the alliance's creation to the staggering cost of crime; it reportedly absorbs 3.4% of the region's gross domestic product on average—an amount equaling 80% of public education budgets.
To support this venture, the IDB allocated $1 billion for security projects aimed at enhancing the regional sharing of criminal records and addressing financial crimes, all with the intent of curbing organized crime's spread across borders. Yet notable exclusions, such as the United States, which Goldfajn noted might join later, spotlight the complex geopolitics entwined within this issue.
Of the various criminal enterprises, the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) has emerged as one of the most dangerous, particularly as it expands its influence across Brazil’s Amazon. Reports indicate how the gang has successfully infiltrated illegal gold mining operations and brutalized Indigenous communities, creating waves of violence and instability. The PCC's significant revenue generation—about $1 billion annually—demonstrates its entrenched position within the region's criminal framework.
Specific instances of violence underline the gravity of the PCC's intrusion. Recent events reveal attempts on lives, clashes erupting from disputes over territory, and cases of abductions and killings exacerbated by the gang's hold over local communities. Indigenous leaders express alarm as their people face recruitment and violence from these organized factions.
Contrasting these grim realities, Paraguay marked progress with Interpol announcing the arrest of 26 individuals engaged in illegal deforestation along its borders with Brazil and Argentina. This operation featured cross-agency collaboration and aimed to address environmental criminality, underscoring the international community's increasing resolve to tackle organized crime.
Without doubt, 2023 has illustrated the complex and shifting terrain of organized crime across Latin America and the Caribbean. The actions of criminal organizations, government interventions, and international partnerships interact like pieces of a multifaceted puzzle—one where every new development impacts the stability of the region and the safety of its people. Stakeholders remain vigilant, recognizing the pressing need for cohesive strategies to tackle the resilience of organized crime.