The Top 7 TCO’s (Transnational Criminal Organizations) in LATAM
You can find criminal groups that have entire armies under their orders with operations that go beyond the borders of the countries in which they have originated from Mexico to Brazil. Drug trafficking, money laundering and weapon smuggling are their main activities, but not the only ones.
The COVID 19 pandemic has given them wings in the countries where the governments haven’t been able to tend to the population and uphold the laws imposed to avoid infections. Additionally, unemployment among the young population brought by this crisis.
You can find criminal groups that have entire armies under their orders with operations that go beyond the borders of the countries in which they have originated from Mexico to Brazil. Drug trafficking, money laundering and weapon smuggling are their main activities, but not the only ones.
The COVID 19 pandemic has given them wings in the countries where the governments haven’t been able to tend to the population and uphold the laws imposed to avoid infections. Additionally, unemployment among the young population brought by this crisis and the lack of legitimate job opportunities has provided these organizations with abundant manpower.
The lack of a political will to stand against and go after these criminal organizations have only helped them gain strength and pose big challenges not only to the region but also to the US government.
ELN (Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional) – Colombia
Originally a guerrilla movement with Marxist ideas, it has now gained power and is at its highest moment, filling the void left by FARC. Their main sources of income are drug trafficking, illegal mining, extorsion and kidnaping. Theyoperate principally in Colombia, with extensions to Venezuela, where the ELN members move freely thanks to a lenient government, parts of Ecuador and Guyana.
PCC (First Command of the Capital) – Brazil
The PCC was founded within the walls of a prison in Sao Paulo. Recent Investigations state their ranks are currently in numbers between 8,000 and 30,000. Although they have operations limited to Brazil and Bolivia, their suppliers are all over the continent and buyers in Africa and Europe. Their main sources of income are drug-trafficking, weapon rental and money laundering. They also have cargo theft as an important activity.
Comando Vermelho – Brazil
Also founded within prison walls, this movement originated in Rio de Janeiro, has around 20,000 members and a yearly income close to forty million dollars. They operate in Brazil and Paraguay but also have ties in Bolivia and Colombia. Drug trafficking, extorsion, kidnapping and the weapons black market are their main sources of income.
Next week we will be bringing you information about the groups that operate in Mexico and El Salvador.
and the lack of legitimate job opportunities has provided these organizations with abundant manpower.
The lack of a political will to stand against and go after these criminal organizations have only helped them gain strength and pose big challenges not only to the region but also to the US government.