All articles tagged with #criminal organizations
A police operation in Rio de Janeiro targeting the criminal group Comando Vermelho resulted in at least 64 deaths, with the group responding with gunfire, drones, and chaos.
Two mayoral candidates in the Mexican town of Maravatio, from opposing political parties, were found dead in their vehicles with gunshot wounds just hours apart. The killings come amidst a surge in political violence leading up to the June 2 elections, with eight candidates killed since last September. Criminal organizations are known to intimidate and intervene violently in election processes, particularly at the municipal level, due to their links with law enforcement and the local economy. The Mexican government is working to curb the violence ahead of the 2024 elections, as more than 100 million Mexicans prepare to vote in general elections for over 20,000 positions.
Gang members and criminals from Venezuela, including henchmen for dictator Nicolas Maduro, have illegally crossed the US border and are causing chaos in major American cities such as Dallas, Miami, and Chicago. The Venezuelan neighborhood in Dallas, known as 'Villa Dallas,' has experienced a surge in violence, including illegal street races, beatings, shootings, and extortion attempts. Many of these criminals are former security forces or part of criminal organizations. Venezuelan migrants in the US are being extorted, and law-abiding residents are living in fear. The notorious Tren de Aragua gang, led by Héctor "El Niño" Guerrero, has also infiltrated the US, with Interpol issuing a red alert for Guerrero. Despite efforts to deport Venezuelans who do not qualify for asylum, the number of crossings has decreased since the Biden administration's announcement of repatriation flights to Venezuela.
Research has found that Mexico's cartels are recruiting hundreds of new members every week, highlighting the ongoing issue of criminal organizations in the country. The lure of money, power, and a lack of economic opportunities are driving many individuals to join these violent groups, perpetuating the cycle of crime and insecurity in Mexico.