There is widespread optimism in Latin America following relatively peaceful elections in Argentina, Haiti, Guatemala, and Colombia. However, upcoming legislative elections in Venezuela are likely to sour the mood, writes Lloyd Belton.
Mexico's most powerful criminal organisation is in crisis. And that might not be good news.
Only a year and a half on from the publication of the Panama Papers, another massive data leak has hit the offshore services industry, leaving a maelstrom of negative headlines in its wake. The developments have highlighted more than ever the need for offshore services providers to invest in robust cyber security measures to protect the sensitive data…
With corruption scandals simmering at the upper levels of the Brazilian government and opposition to unpopular austerity measures growing, political instability looks set to continue in 2017. Anti-corruption and anti-austerity protests are likely to increase in frequency and size this year.
This article originally appeared in InSight Crime on 29 June 2016: http://www.insightcrime.org/news-analysis/olympic-security-situation-in-brazil-causing-concern
This article originally appeared in InSight Crime on 09 June 2016: http://www.insightcrime.org/news-analysis/cargo-theft-is-big-business-for-brazil-crime-groups
Lloyd Belton discusses the launch of a crowdsourcing app in 2015 used to combat extortion in Mexico in the face of inaction by authorities. In addition, he highlights some of the highest kidnap ransom demands across the region from the last year. Looking ahead at pertinent travel risks in 2016, upcoming favela security operations in anticipation of the August Olympics in Rio de Janeiro are likely to pose a threat to travellers in the area.…
With the establishment of a new constituent assembly in Venezuela, Helena Maxwell explores how President Nicolás Maduro has further entrenched his position despite regional and international condemnation.
Lloyd Belton examines why spikes in crime and escalating gang wars in Brazil have not necessarily driven concurrent increases in kidnapping and extortion incidents, and how violence is shifting to the north of the country.
Gang violence, turf wars and cargo theft are part of the cariocas' daily routine. The city that once projected improvement and hope, now lives under its own shadow, explains Fabrício Ivasse.
Sensing President Nicolás Maduro's delay tactics, opposition groups have refused to reopen negotiations with the government and have so far managed to sustain momentum during two months of countrywide protests aimed at forcing early elections. However, unless senior military officials defect and turn against Maduro, the political deadlock looks set…
The Ejército de Liberación Nacional looks set to continue to rely on criminally and politically-motivated kidnappings to increase its bargaining power during ongoing peace talks, writes Lloyd Belton.