This week at InSight Crime, we analyzed how a sub-region in Colombia is the latest example of the criminal wars unfolding amid of the government's failed peace efforts. Despite government efforts to negotiate with armed actors under the Total Peace policy, clashes between the ELN, the AGC, and FARC dissidents have escalated, leaving a trail of displacement, confinements and homicides. The control of drug trafficking corridors and the illegal exploitation of gold are the main drivers of the conflict, leaving communities trapped between threats and the advance of armed groups.

In addition, we delved into how Brazil's Grandoreiro malware has evolved to bypass bank security systems and expand its criminal operations globally; we analyzed how drug traffickers have expanded their use of semi-submersibles to transport record amounts of cocaine across the Atlantic; we dug into how extortion has expanded in Peru, affecting new sectors and sparking protests; and we covered how the Costa Rica government is attacking the country’s growing drug-related violence by going after the profits.

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The Endless Battle for Bajo Cauca: Colombia’s Criminal Crown Jewel

Near the banks of the Nechí River — one of the main hubs of illegal gold mining in northern Colombia — Javier*, a community leader with a steady, forceful voice, described to InSight Crime the hardships brought by the latest wave of conflict in El Bagre, a municipality in the Bajo Cauca subregion of Antioquia.

“Just a few months ago, the fighting was so intense that no one dared retrieve the dead,” said Javier, who spoke with InSight Crime at the end of 2024. “At one point, animals were eating the corpses,” he added, lowering his voice.

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This week, InSight Crime senior investigator James Bargent was interviewed by CNN about the current security situation in Ecuador, and his contribution helped deepen the analysis of the topic in the country. InSight Crime has become an international point of reference for information and analysis on this crucial issue.

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Criminal Profile of the Week: Jalisco Cartel New Generation (CJNG)

The Jalisco Cartel New Generation (Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación – CJNG) is a transnational criminal group that emerged from the Milenio Cartel following a series of killings, arrests, and internal fractures. It is known for its aggressive use of violence and its public relations campaigns. Despite the capture of certain top leaders, it remains one of Mexico’s foremost criminal threats and appears set to continue expanding.

This week, the CJNG was in the media spotlight due to the controversial live tribute by the musical group Alegres del Barranco to CJNG leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho.” The CJNG also made the news for allegedly owning the killing field found at Rancho Izaguirre in Teuchitlán, Jalisco.

Trending: Medellin Cartel co-founder Carlos Lehder returns to Colombia

Medellin Cartel co-founder Carlos Lehder arrived in Colombia on March 28. Lehder had been living in Germany after serving 33 years in prison in the United States. The man who was once a key figure in international cocaine trafficking arrived in Colombia to the surprise of many, including his own defense, and was arrested upon arrival, although he was later released after his conviction was ruled time-barred. Although the Medellin Cartel is a thing of the past, the city remains a hub for organized crime.

Read our profile on the Medellín Cartel >

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