Weekly InSight
July 28, 2023 ([link removed])

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This week, InSight Crime dives into the illegal shark fin trade in Latin America. Massive seizures of fins in Brazil and Panama show that recent efforts to stop trafficking are coming up short ([link removed]) due to widespread corruption, limited enforcement capacity, and unwavering demand from consumer markets.

In Venezuela, we investigate the proliferation ([link removed]) of the cattle theft industry at the hands of both criminal groups and state forces, as well as how a sharp spike in drug seizures in the state of Monagas could indicate ([link removed]) that traffickers are seeking alternate routes through the country.

We also talk with political scientists Jonathan Rosen and Sebastián Cutrona to explore ([link removed]) the surge in popularity of tough-on-crime mano dura policies in Latin America and examine how deepfake technology will be game-changing ([link removed]) for fraud groups around the region.
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** Featured
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** Shark Fin Trade Thriving in Latin America, Despite Promises of Progress ([link removed])
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With record shark fin seizures continuing across Latin America, legislative efforts to protect sharks are being impeded by a lack of resources and the large criminal profits being generated.

Panama netted its largest-ever shark fin seizure this month, nabbing 6.79 tons of shark fins on July 13 near Capira, a town southwest of Panama City. Five Panamanian citizens were arrested, as well as one Chinese woman, who allegedly bankrolled the initiative.

Read the analysis > ([link removed])


** NewsAnalysis
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All News ([link removed]) >
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** Criminal Groups Ally With State Forces for Cattle Theft in Venezuela ([link removed])
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An increase in cattle rustling across Venezuela has been driven by the joint involvement of public officials and criminal groups, with ranchers...

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** Q&A: Voices Opposing Mano Dura Policies in Latin America Are Silenced ([link removed])
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The long-term consequences of mano dura, or iron fist, law enforcement policies have become...

Monagas: The Missing Link for Venezuela Drug Traffickers ([link removed])
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Fraud Groups Use Deepfakes to Enhance Imitation Scams in Peru ([link removed])


** Impact
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What We Do ([link removed])


** ‘DataInSights’ Featured Among Top Data Journalism Stories Worldwide
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Our recent data journalism piece on pretrial detention in Paraguay was featured in the Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN)’s “Data Journalism Top 10 ([link removed]) ” for the week of July 17.

Pulling data from multiple sources, we explored how Paraguay’s pretrial detention problem is one of the worst in the region and directly fuels organized criminal groups.

Read the investigation here > ([link removed])

This is the second time our data journalism has been featured by the GIJN. Our work tracking the evolution of ransom kidnappings as a criminal economy in Argentina also made the list ([link removed]) for the week of June 5.
Read: DataInSights: The Rise and Fall of Ransom Kidnappings in Argentina > ([link removed])


** This Week's Criminal Profile: Choneros
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Last week, InSight Crime explored the rise of the Choneros from their humble beginnings to the top of Ecuador’s drug trafficking scene. Now, with their historic leaders killed or arrested, other Ecuadorian groups such as the Lobos are looking to take over where the Choneros previously dominated.
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Read our article, “The Rise and Fall of the Choneros” > ([link removed])

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Read our profile of the Choneros > ([link removed])


** Media Mentions
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About Us ([link removed])
JULY 27, 2023
AMERICAS QUARTERLY ([link removed])
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"Prices vary depending on the length and safety of overland routes through the Darién. InSight Crime reported prices ranging from $70 to $150 in November of last year."
Read the cited article > ([link removed])


** Our Trending Topics
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ILLEGAL FISHING ([link removed])
VENEZUELA ([link removed])
EL SALVADOR ([link removed])
CYBERCRIME ([link removed])

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We go into the field to interview, report and investigate. We then verify, write and edit, providing the tools to generate real impact in fighting organized crime.
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