China’s Rapacious Port Expansion in Latin America and the Caribbean
In recent years, China’s expansion in Latin America and the Caribbean has been a topic of discussion in the world’s major political and economic circles. And the reason is clear: China seeks to become the region’s main trading partner and leader over the rest of the world in the financing, [ … ]
Ortega-Murillo Regime Uses Anti-money Laundering System for Political Repression
According to the study The Double Standard of Dictator Daniel Ortega’s Anti-Money Laundering Policy, carried out by Central American think tank Expediente Abierto, the Daniel Ortega-Rosario Murillo regime uses anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CTF) standards to strengthen political repression of its opponents. Meanwhile, the regime makes it out to [ … ]
El Salvador Graduates 16 Counternarcotics K-9 Agents, with US support
The Salvadoran National Civil Police (PNC), with support from the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), graduated 16 counternarcotics K-9 agents to join the fight against transnational criminal groups in the region. The police officers and their canine companions are trained to identify drugs and paper [ … ]
Maduro Increases Dependence on Iran to Preserve Oil Industry
Following the departure of former Venezuelan Oil Minister Tareck el Aissami in March, the Nicolás Maduro regime increased its dependence on Iran to keep the oil industry afloat. In June, president of state-owned Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) and Oil Minister Pedro Tellechea, signed a memorandum of understanding with his Iranian [ … ]
SENAFRONT, Tirelessly Protecting Panama’s Borders
Guarding Panama’s land and river borders is the tireless task of the more than 6,000 men and women of the National Border Service (SENAFRONT). Their mission: to give no respite to transnational criminal organizations, criminal gangs, and flow of unauthorized migrants seeking to enter Panama. SENAFRONT’s new director, Commissioner Jorge [ … ]
A Conversation with Jorge Luis Gobea, Director of the Panamanian National Border Service (SENAFRONT)
Oil Spills in Venezuela Destroy Ecosystems
Under the Nicolás Maduro regime, Venezuela’s state-owned oil company (PDVSA) has not only collapsed, but lack of investment and maintenance in its facilities generate daily oil spills with devastating consequences for the environment and the population, The New York Times (NYT) reported in late July. Since 2016, PDVSA stopped reporting [ … ]
US, Uruguay, Peru and Argentina Join Efforts to Combat Cybercrime
More than 30 judges, prosecutors and police officers from Uruguay, Peru, and Argentina gathered in Montevideo August 14-18 to participate in a cybercrime conference organized by the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of International Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property (ICHIP) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The conference allowed [ … ]
Colombian Navy Leads First Cyber Operations Exercise in UNITAS
The Colombian Navy led the first cybersecurity, cyber defense, and cyber intelligence exercise as part of international exercise UNITAS LXIV, held in Cartagena July 11-21. This was the first time in the history of UNITAS that such an exercise was carried out. The exercise was attended by participants from Brazil, [ … ]
New Era of Cuba-Russia Relations Threatens Latin America
With its anti-aircraft guns, the Russian Navy training ship Perekop docked in Cuba on July 11, raising concerns in the region. The ship arrived with more than 200 cadets on board at the port of Havana, where it stayed for three days. “This is the first official visit by a [ … ]
US Builds Coast Guard Station in Costa Rica
The United States Embassy will donate $4.5 million to Costa Rica to build a new coast guard station and dock in Moín, Limón province, the Embassy said. The station will be set up through the Ministry of Public Security and the Board of Port Administration and Economic Development of the [ … ]
China’s ‘Long Game’ Influence Campaign in Latin America
U.S.-based cybersecurity firm Nisos uncovered the existence of a network of pro-China accounts targeting Latin American audiences, designed to bolster the country’s image and status, Time magazine reported in mid-July. This operation is part of the continued expansion of Chinese influence in the region, to consolidate its position as the [ … ]
