This three-part investigation reveals how Venezuelan organized crime has expanded into Essequibo amid rising tensions over Venezuela’s renewed territorial claim.
In the first chapter, we examine how illegal mining gangs allied with the Maduro regime, known as sindicatos, have attacked Guyanese soldiers and may be serving as a geopolitical tool.
The second chapter documents the 2024 seizure of 4.4 tons of cocaine, highlighting how Essequibo has become a key route for regional drug trafficking.
In the final chapter, we trace the journey of Venezuelan migrants through Essequibo — many of whom fall into the hands of trafficking networks in the face of a limited state response.
Explore the full investigation, now available on our website.
