The ringleader of criminal organization Dinastía Alayón, a faction of Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, was arrested in Peru along with 30 other alleged members of that gang, authorities in the South American country reported on October 5. “Resounding blow to the transnational criminal organization Dinastía Alayón - Tren de [ … ]
Transnational Threats
Cocaine Trafficking from Latin America to Europe on the Rise
Europe is suffering a flood of cocaine shipments from Latin America into its ports, while seizures by security authorities are reaching record levels, reported InSight Crime, an organization dedicated to the study of organized crime in Latin America and the Caribbean. “In Europe there is a market that demands cocaine [ … ]
Insecurity and Violence Threaten Ecuador
Ecuador is engaged in a relentless fight against drug trafficking. However, in recent times this challenge has reached worrying levels, with a growing insecurity crisis and a significant increase in violence, affecting the quality of life of millions of Ecuadorians, The New York Times reported. Until three years ago, Ecuador [ … ]
China’s Plan to Take Over the World
Project 141 is believed to be the code name for China’s plan to install military bases worldwide. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) carefully designed this initiative to capitalize from increasing logistics support of regimes in its favor, various news sites reported. Beijing’s most recent attempt is a base in Cuba. [ … ]
Iran Seeks to Spread Its Radical Ideology in Latin America
The Iranian regime seeks to expand its Islamic revolution globally and continues its push in Latin America. As part of that strategy, it is promoting the memoirs of its leaders to engage local actors, Washington-based nongovernmental organization Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) indicated in a report. So far in [ … ]
Nicaragua Asserts Alliance with Russia to Amplify Disinformation
Unconventional alliances are emerging in the Latin American and Caribbean region. Among them is the partnership between Russian state media outlet Russia Today (RT) and the Daniel Ortega-Rosario Murillo regime in Nicaragua. This link raises concerns about disinformation and the role of Russian propaganda in the region. “The union reflects [ … ]
China Moves Forward in Argentina with Worrisome Works
China has been seeking to finance or build large infrastructure projects in Argentina to expand its influence in South America. A port, a nuclear power plant, a power station, and a radio telescope are among the projects announced. For experts, however, these works are cause for concern. “Being ‘partners’ with [ … ]
Colombia Dismantles Narcotrafficking Groups
The Colombian Navy dealt hard blows to organizations linked to international narcotrafficking cartels through its Red Naval Plus strategy, in coordination with the Attorney General’s Office. As of August 29, the Pacific and Caribbean Naval Forces had weakened nine narcotrafficking groups over the course of 2023. One of the latest [ … ]
Chinese State-owned Zijin Mining Under International Scrutiny
In a world where business activities are under constant global scrutiny, Zijin Mining, a Chinese state-owned company specializing in gold and lithium mining, stands out as a symbol of persistent concerns about its impact and operating practices in Latin America and beyond, Radio FM Bolivia reported. Its track record is [ … ]
Cartel of the Suns Expands Operations with ELN and Mexican cartels
Retired Major General Hugo Carvajal Barrios, alias El Pollo, Venezuela’s former director of Military Counterintelligence, was extradited on July 19 from Spain to New York, where he will be tried for what is described as a vast narcoterrorist conspiracy aimed at generating instability in the United States by attempting to [ … ]
Chile Strengthens Fight Against The Tren de Aragua
In mid-September, 44 criminals, among them 36 Venezuelans, six Chileans, one Dominican, and one Colombian, stood trial for various crimes committed in the extreme north of Chile. They all belong to the violent Tren de Aragua cell known as Los Gallegos, which wreaks havoc not only in Chile, but also [ … ]
Argentina’s Nuclear Power Project with China Raises Concerns
The project for the construction of Atucha III, Argentina’s fourth nuclear power plant, which seeks financing from China, is raising concerns due to the Asian country’s growing influence. According to experts, the proposal to finance the plant with Chinese capital could leave Argentina in a vulnerable economic situation. “China operates [ … ]