The First Capital Command (PCC), one of Brazil and South America’s largest criminal group, teamed up with other major drug gangs to smuggle cocaine to countries in Europe and Africa, strengthening ties to global organized crime, British daily The Economist reported. “Since 2016 there has been a clear expansion plan [ … ]
Transnational Threats
Artificial Intelligence and the Threat to Cybersecurity
The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) brings advantages that are being discovered as the technology is being implemented, but it allows those that engage in cybercrime greater opportunities to carry out their criminal activities. In terms of security, AI allows for faster threat detection, intelligence analysis, fraud identification, in addition [ … ]
Brazil and the Rising Hezbollah Concern in Latin America
There has been a rising concern about Hezbollah around the world amid the Hamas-Israel conflict. Nations and law enforcement forces worldwide have been on high alert about the growing fear of terrorism. Evidence of that threat in Latin America manifested itself in Brazil, when in early November 2023 the Brazilian [ … ]
Hezbollah Ties Cause for Concern in Brazil
Brazilian security forces are shining the light on the relationship some Shiite communities that inhabit the Triple-Border shared by Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay with Lebanese terrorist organization Hezbollah, through illegal financial operations and smuggling. “Given the presence of these groups, cooperation measures to monitor terrorism, for example in the area [ … ]
Ameripol Strengthened Against Transnational Crime
Authorities from several Latin American nations signed the treaty for the constitution of the Police Community of the Americas (Ameripol) in Brasilia, Brazil. This document, known as the Treaty of Brasilia, consolidates the Community as a regional police organization to strengthen cooperation and information exchange between the police and security [ … ]
Brazilian Government Strengthens Fight Against Organized Crime
In early November 2023, the Brazilian government launched a Decree to Guarantee Law and Order (GLO), to reinforce actions to combat organized crime. The plan includes the strengthening and joining of the Federal, Highway, and Criminal Police; and the Armed Forces (Army, Air Force, and Navy), to expand operations at [ … ]
Iran’s Penetration in Latin America
Despite the distance or cultural differences, Latin America has become a strategic point for Iran’s international expansion. Its proximity to the United States and the social movements that have propelled leftist governments to power in recent years are some of the factors that have contributed to this geographic area becoming [ … ]
Crimes Hit ‘Record Highs’ in Haiti
Gang violence in Haiti is reaching alarming levels, not only affecting the capital of Port-au-Prince but also spreading to other major cities, forcing massive displacement of people, the United Nations (U.N.) said in its latest reports. “The security situation on the ground continues to deteriorate as growing gang violence plunges [ … ]
Guyana Seeks UN Court Protection in ‘Sinister’ Venezuela Territorial Claim
Guyana has asked the U.N.'s highest court to stop a Venezuelan referendum on whether or not to annex the oil-rich Essequibo region both South American nations lay claim to. Venezuela has for decades argued that the 160,000-square-kilometer (62,000-square-mile) region administered by Guyana should fall within its borders -— a contention [ … ]
Iran Increasingly Turns to Latin America
Historically, Latin America’s relations with Iran have been nearly nonexistent. But in recent years, this region has become a priority for Iran in which to expand its influence and sphere of action. Such was confirmed by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in late 2021, following a meeting in Tehran with then [ … ]
Meta Takes Down Chinese Influence Operation on Social Networks
In late August, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, dismantled a massive network of fake accounts associated with Chinese security forces, as well as the pro-China influence operation known as Spamouflage that promotes Beijing’s interests, according to an August 26 Meta cyberthreats report. “Such propaganda exerts a strong influence on [ … ]
The Increasing Influence of Iran in Latin America
Warning signs about a possible upsurge in Iranian activities in Latin America are growing, following the October 7 attack of the Hamas terrorist group against Israel. Experts believe that the spread of anti-Israeli sentiment will strengthen Iran and could boost Hezbollah and other radical groups’ activities in the region. “Iran’s [ … ]