Criminal gangs have diversified across Latin America, making them more resilient – but not untouchable

Crackdowns may suppress some forms of gang activity without dismantling their economic structures.

By: Robert Muggah, Instituto Igarapé; Princeton University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: August 10, 2026

Words: 1,520

Last Updated: 1 week, 1 day ago

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By Robert Muggah, Instituto Igarapé; Princeton University

Latin America’s most powerful criminal groups have expanded beyond the drug trade – and have become more resilient as a result. That’s what my colleagues and I discovered while researching for a new study on the structural transformation of organized crime across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Criminal networks now draw revenue from illicit and legal sources alike. Many of them police neighborhoods and influence local politics. …

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