General Staff of Blocks and Front (EMBF)
The General Staff of Blocks and Front (Estado Mayor de Bloques y Frente – EMBF) is a Colombian criminal organization…
Experts Say US Aid Slashes Will Hinder Anti-Drug and Crime Efforts in Latam
The administration of US President Donald Trump is moving to slash funding for diplomatic and aid programs, which experts say…
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…
Major Criminal Powers Dispute Key Corridors in Colombia
The balance of power in Colombia’s criminal underworld is in flux, as turbulent shakeups see major criminal players competing for…
The Fragile Peace Behind and Beyond Prison Bars in Colombia’s Buenaventura
“Since I took over leadership of Marte, I have improved conditions for detainees,” says Silvio,* a mediator between inmates and…
3 Reasons Landmines Are Making a Comeback in Colombia
After a promising decline in landmine incidents, Colombia is once again facing a surge in these explosive devices. This grim…
Colombia’s Peace Efforts Spark Criminal Disputes and Divisions
The prospects for peace in Colombia appear increasingly remote as illegal armed groups fragment amid a gold and cocaine bonanza.…
What an Internal Split Means for Colombia’s Second Marquetalia
A recent rift within the Second Marquetalia underscores the inherent fragility of alliances among Colombia’s illegal groups and highlights the…
Colombia’s Coca Crops Grew, But Cocaine Production Exploded, Latest Figures Show
Coca crops and cocaine production in Colombia increased during 2023, as the government has stopped forced eradication efforts and concentrated…
Power Play or Peace? AGC’s Role in Colombia’s Fragile Negotiations
The strength of Colombia’s powerful AGC criminal group will pose a serious challenge in nascent peace negotiations, according to a…