Ecuador’s Problem with Organized Crime, An Interview
- ElComercio.com interviews Francesco Forgione, former president of the Italian Anti-Mafia Commission and a criminal organization specialist.
- With no visa required of foreigners, Ecuador attracts criminal groups like Ndrangheta, the world’s most dangerous mafia, interested in coca.
- As a coca producer, Ecuador has become a crossroads for organized crime due to the increase in production and trafficking of coca.
- Ecuador has become a meeting point for criminal organizations.
- Many Italian mafias have counterparts in South America where they buy cocaine and other drugs.
- Reportedly, mafias have no known connection with Al Qaeda, but connection with paramilitary sectors in Colombia and links with Mexican gangs.
- Venezuela has close links with the Italian Mafia. It also has the largest Italian migration rates in South America.
- To combat drug trafficking countries need prevention, policy of control and repression of traffickers and a switch to legal crops.Read Article
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Agriculture
Antartica
- Japanase travel company cancels Antartica tour due to protest by researchers over safety issues
- Norwegian explorer arrested in Chile after making illegal trip to Antarctica
- Brazil to rebuild scientific research base destroyed by fire in Antarctica
- High Winds alert Magallanes and Antartica Chilena, Chile
- 27 Hospitals in Cordoba Argentina continue strike over wages
Archaeology
- Ecuador negotiating return of archaeological pieces from U.S. museum
- Tohono O'odham petroglyphs of interest near Caborca Mexico
- Uzhcurrumi Ecuador, the lost city of archeology
- Honduras, residents of Bay Islands reporting looting of Spanish Galleon by U.S. citizen
- Peru: Ministry of Culture to push major archaeological sites protection program 2012
Argentina
- International Drug-Trafficking Operation Intercepted in Argentina
- Whooping cough cases up 90%, 2012 in Argentina, remerging disease
- Sales of real estate plummet in Cañuelas Argentina, limited access to dollars
- Argentina: Murderer given permission to water plants, escapes from police station
- Buenos Aires: next week subways to have work stoppage three days
Belize
Bolivia
Border Issues
- US fugitive detained in Mexico
- Maquiladora evacuated after chemical spill Ciudad Juárez, Mexico
- Mexico spends nearly 4 million pesos supporting deported immigrants returning from the U.S.
- Haitians, Cubans returned after intercepts at sea by U.S. Coast Guard
- ACLU asks DHS initiate investigation of alleged abuses at U.S. ports of entries with Mexico
Brazil
- LIDEMA study identifies impacts, threats of environment on Bolivian borders
- Train Crash Sao Paulo Brazil, at least 40 injured
- Brazil: Communist Guerrilla group takes action against farmer
- German food chain begins imports of Brazilian papaya
- Brazil: Severe weather contributes to higher soybean, corn prices
Business
- Mexico: Water pollution decreases fishing activity in Tuxpan
- Sales of real estate plummet in Cañuelas Argentina, limited access to dollars
- Venezuela: Food production facing crisis
- Survey says: What 38 percent of Peruvians want to tell their boss
- Maquiladora evacuated after chemical spill Ciudad Juárez, Mexico
Cacao Global
China
- Mexican navy seized 136 ton shipment of precursor chemicals from China bound for Honduras
- Peru cancels purchase of air defense system from Northrop Grumman Consortium after pressure from China
- Déleg Ecuador: Roadway being financed by Chinese
- Ecuador: Assemblyman alleges breech of contract in purchase of Chinese radars
- Chinese police assist Argentine counterparts in attempt to thwart Chinese Mafia
Ciudad Juárez
- Mexico: Man accused of sexually abusing male friend
- A 13 year old is shot dead Ciudad Juárez, Mexico
- Maquiladora evacuated after chemical spill Ciudad Juárez, Mexico
- Shooting Attack kills a Mother and her Son in the City of Juarez
- Mexico: Authorities arrest husband and wife for possession of drugs, weapons and counterfeit money in Juarez
Colombia
Conflicts
- Narco-Terrorist Attack in Peru Indicates New Drug Trafficking Route
- Army, cabinet shake-up due to Peru hostage crisis
- Mexican journalist becomes victim number 12, in 2012, signs of torture
- Authorities fail to control two week old riot in Caracas prison
- Authorities believe individuals killed in joint Honduran, DEA operation were not involved in trafficking
Corruption
- Mexico: Diconsa a major government social agency rife with theft
- More than 3,000 Mexican military members court martialed in last five years
- Peru: Spanish tourist video tapes police officers trying to elicit bribe for traffic infraction, officers under investigation
- Walmart involved in bribery scandal, Mexico
- Caracas asks Interpol to issue an arrest warrant against former judge
Costa Rica
- Costa Rica: Politician loses bid for presidency of congress due to "cockfighting"
- Government orders homes businesses destroyed, Limón Costa Rica
- Alert: Costa Rica advises caution when visiting volcanoes, recent activity Aprill 2012
- Costa Rica: Gas prices may rise in May 2012
- Costa Rican police officer under investigation, Facebook picture shows picture of officer in Nazi garb, salute
Crime
- Soccer Jerseys Serve as Method of Drug Concealment in Peru
- Lush Manabí Province Attracts Drug Trafficking in Ecuador
- Increased Crackdown on Mexican Border Forces Colombian Drug Routes Through Caribbean
- Central Leader of Los Rastrojos Gang Captured in Colombia
- Arizona Prime Location for Mexican Drug Trafficking with 23% of Border Drugs
Cuba
- U.S. grants visas to 60 Cubans, reject 11 for Latin America conference San Francisco
- Haitians, Cubans returned after intercepts at sea by U.S. Coast Guard
- 13 Cuban illegal immigrants detained Colombia
- One of five Cuban agents convicted or espionage permitted to visit Cuba, returns to U.S.
- Royal Caribbean Cruise ship rescues 23 cubans
Culture
- GLBT community celebrate Quito center day against homophobia
- Argentina: Bones skulls found, apparently used for witchcraft
- Teen pregnancy hindering development in Latin America
- Costa Rica: Politician loses bid for presidency of congress due to "cockfighting"
- Colombia: Indigenous newborn girl dies after genital mutilation
Dominican Republic
- Dominican Republic: INTERPOL detains wanted fraud suspect, deported to Russia
- Canadian Tourist arrested Dominican Republic drug charges
- Sabatoge of power lines Dominican Republic serious security issue
- 20 kilos cocaine seized Dominican Republic bound for Philadelphia
- U.S. to assist Dominican Republic in fighting crimes against the environment and fauna
Drug Activity
- Soccer Jerseys Serve as Method of Drug Concealment in Peru
- Lush Manabí Province Attracts Drug Trafficking in Ecuador
- Increased Crackdown on Mexican Border Forces Colombian Drug Routes Through Caribbean
- Arizona Prime Location for Mexican Drug Trafficking with 23% of Border Drugs
- Colombian Air Force Dismantles Clandestine Airstrip
Earthquake
Easter Island
Economy
- Sales of real estate plummet in Cañuelas Argentina, limited access to dollars
- Venezuela: Food production facing crisis
- Unemployment most impact on youth in Latin America
- 11,000 Ecuadorians reported as having returned from Europe since 2010, due to lost jobs
- Argentina tightens restrictions on purchases of dollars
Ecuador
- Rafael Correa Interview with Julaina Asage from Wikileaks
- Lush Manabí Province Attracts Drug Trafficking in Ecuador
- Crime victims Cuenca ask city to integrate security camera system to monitor historic center
- Ecuador hit by outbreak of dengue
- GLBT community celebrate Quito center day against homophobia
El Salvador
- Central America: One out of fifty young people will die due to violence according to U.N.
- El Salvador Gang Truce Raises Troubling Questions for Region
- Guatemalan auto thieves arrested San Salvador, El Salvador
- Editor of online newspaper flees El Salvador due to threats from criminal elements
- Members of new guerilla group named FARP captured in El Salvador
Enviromental Issues
- Mexico: Water pollution decreases fishing activity in Tuxpan
- Peru's laundering mechanism with illegal logging, destroying forests
- LIDEMA study identifies impacts, threats of environment on Bolivian borders
- Mexico: Fire in Zacatecas takes over paint storage and distribution center
- Meteorite lands in Puebla, Mexico
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
- History: Reagan On The Falkland/Malvinas: "Give[] Maggie enough to carry on..."
- British Petroleum tells Argentina it has no plans to explore for oil in Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
- Argentina: Violent protests outside British embassy
- Argentina: Quebracho group holds protest at British embassy, burn flag
- British Defense secretary states Argentina not military threat, lacks capacity to go to war
FARC
- FARC releases businessman after seven months of captivity
- Four soldiers injured when FARC set off mine field Puerto Nuevo Colombia
- Number of FARC factions being driven out of drug business
- FARC: Proposal for delivery of French journalist Romeo Langlois
- FARC offers to deliver kidnapped French Journalist to Red Cross
Galapagos Islands
- Arthur Frommer's post on development in the Galapagos
- 32 Ecuadorians kicked out of the Galapagos Islands
- Galapagos Islands: Airfares increase, shortage of supplies due to decrease in number of cargo ships operating
- U.S. Bombs from WWII destroyed on the Galapagos Islands
- Galapagos Islands: Fishing Boat Detained Inside Reserve Area
Guatemala
- UK Guatemala Travel Advisory
- Central America: One out of fifty young people will die due to violence according to U.N.
- Guatemala to engage 300 elite troops in fight against "Narcos"
- Guatemala's president moves into slum for the weekend
- Authorities cracking down on trafficking in humans via operations in Guatemala City
Guyana
- Venezuela deploys 15,000 troops to borders with Colombia, Brazil, Guyana
- Venezuela ratifies dialogue in defense of their interests in state bordering Guyana
- Argentina: Highest alcohol consuming nation in South America
- Latin American Countries to Study Amazon Deforestation and Water Resources
- Labor dispute erupts Guyana, one dead, injuries
Haiti
Health
- Ecuador: Carnival weekend 2012 leaves 85 dead, 551 injured, 20 missing
- Young girls working as prostitutes in Haiti for lack of water and food
- Emergency declared in 29 municipalities of Coahuila Mexico due to drought
- Near Banos Ecuador, cow killed by bovine rabies
- Cuba registers vaccine in Peru for lung cancer
Honduras
- Honduras: One killed, eleven wounded in San Pedro Sula prison
- Authorities believe individuals killed in joint Honduran, DEA operation were not involved in trafficking
- Central America: One out of fifty young people will die due to violence according to U.N.
- Mexican navy seized 136 ton shipment of precursor chemicals from China bound for Honduras
- Honduras: Radio journalist Alfredo Rivera Villatoro, kidnapped
Human Rights Latin America
- Central America: One out of fifty young people will die due to violence according to U.N.
- Mexico: Communication from the Commission of Mediation (EAT)
- FARC offers to deliver kidnapped French Journalist to Red Cross
- ACLU asks DHS initiate investigation of alleged abuses at U.S. ports of entries with Mexico
- 80 Bolivians rescued from sweatshop in Buenos Aires Argentina
Human Smuggling
- Central America: One out of fifty young people will die due to violence according to U.N.
- Child prostitution ring broken up operaing in the Plaza de Armas Santiago, Chile
- Haitians, Cubans returned after intercepts at sea by U.S. Coast Guard
- ACLU asks DHS initiate investigation of alleged abuses at U.S. ports of entries with Mexico
- 80 Bolivians rescued from sweatshop in Buenos Aires Argentina
Intelligence
- One of five Cuban agents convicted or espionage permitted to visit Cuba, returns to U.S.
- Chavez orders intelligence units to monitor police in states governed by opposition
- Chevron Using Espionage Against Lawyers in $18 Billion dollar verdictdict In Ecuador
- Ecuador: President of CONAIE states Chevron using violence, intimidation, espionage in recent days in oil case
- Latinamericacurrentevents.com offering new open source intelligence media monitoring program
Internet
Jamaica
Labor Issues
- Buenos Aires: next week subways to have work stoppage three days
- Workers block plant José León Suárez , threatens trash pickup in Buenos Aires
- Survey says: What 38 percent of Peruvians want to tell their boss
- Subway strike Buenos Aires impacts one million passengers
- Unemployment most impact on youth in Latin America
Latin America Aviation
- Soccer Jerseys Serve as Method of Drug Concealment in Peru
- Increased Crackdown on Mexican Border Forces Colombian Drug Routes Through Caribbean
- Colombian Air Force Dismantles Clandestine Airstrip
- Clandestine airstrip destroyed by authorities Chocó Colombia
- 1.34 million dollars found on downed Mexican aircraft in Ecuador
Latin America Book Review - Recorded Interviews with Authors
- TAME airlines begins new route Guayaquil-Latacunga, Latacunga-Coca-Guayaquil
- Oil Injustice, Resisting and Conceding a Pipeline in Ecuador: Recorded Interview With Author Dr. Patricia Widener
- Guide to Documentary Sources for Andean Studies, 1530–1900, recorded interview with editor Dr. Joanne Pillsbury
- Murder and Politics in Mexico, Author Interview with Dr. Sara Schatz
- Policing Democracy: Overcoming Obstacles to Citizen Security in Latin America
Latin America Health
Latin America Indigenous Issues
- Colombia: Indigenous newborn girl dies after genital mutilation
- Colombia: 10 year old girl from Wayuu tribe gives birth to baby
- Ecuador: President of CONAIE states Chevron using violence, intimidation, espionage in recent days in oil case
- Ecuador: Indigenous groups demonstrate ability to mobilize
- CONAIE protest march arrives Quito Ecuador
Latin America Mining
- Former Peru President "Toledo" failed to give speech, rejected by students at University of Cajamarca
- Foreign investment up in Ecuador, mostly in mining sector
- Illegal mining continues to be serious issue for Peru
- Two die in mine explosion El Progreso Ecuador
- Clandestine gold mine collapses, Colombia, three missing
Latin America News
Latin America Travel
Latin America Wikileaks
- U.S. ambassador explains corruption in cable released by WIKILEAKS concerning Brazil
- Ecuador, Wikileaks cable discusses long term impact of melting glaciers
- Jamaican Prime Minister states U.S. officials misrepresented him in diplomatic cables
- Wikileaks shows U.S. and Brazil to partner against drug trafficking
- Wikileaks, Brazil pays off Paraguay to “keep them happy”
Latin America Womens Issues
- 34 women murdered to date in 2012, Culiacán Mexico
- Four to Five cases of sexual assault reported daily, Arequipa Peru
- Violence and Sexual Abuse on the Rise for Girls in Mexico
- Venezuela: three pregnancy vitamins only available via prescription
- Authorities cracking down on trafficking in humans via operations in Guatemala City
Mexico
Nicaragua
- Nicaragua: Gay community crowns Miss Gay Nicaragua
- Costa Rica: 224 kilos of cocaine seized in cargo of candy
- 4.5 Earthquake Near Coast of Nicaragua
- Human Rights systematically violated of sex workers in Mexico City
- Granada Nicaragua: Three hotels raided suspected of trafficking, sexual exploitation of children
Oil
- Ecuador ratifies dismissal of two judges for violations, previously both assigned to Chevron case
- Argentina not to respond to Spain's decision to limit imports of biodiesel fuel
- Costa Rica: Gas prices may rise in May 2012
- Tension heightens between Argentina, Spain over bill to expropriate 51% shares of REPSOL
- Argentina: Repsol considers "unlawful" expropriation of YPF and will take legal action
Organized Crime
- Lush Manabí Province Attracts Drug Trafficking in Ecuador
- Increased Crackdown on Mexican Border Forces Colombian Drug Routes Through Caribbean
- Central Leader of Los Rastrojos Gang Captured in Colombia
- Arizona Prime Location for Mexican Drug Trafficking with 23% of Border Drugs
- Peru's laundering mechanism with illegal logging, destroying forests
Paraguay
Peru
- Soccer Jerseys Serve as Method of Drug Concealment in Peru
- Peru's laundering mechanism with illegal logging, destroying forests
- Narco-Terrorist Attack in Peru Indicates New Drug Trafficking Route
- 400 Kilos of Drugs Seized in Peru; Possible New Drug Trafficking Route Discovered
- Army, cabinet shake-up due to Peru hostage crisis
Police/Military Activity
- Soccer Jerseys Serve as Method of Drug Concealment in Peru
- Increased Crackdown on Mexican Border Forces Colombian Drug Routes Through Caribbean
- Central Leader of Los Rastrojos Gang Captured in Colombia
- Arizona Prime Location for Mexican Drug Trafficking with 23% of Border Drugs
- US fugitive detained in Mexico
Politics
- Rafael Correa Interview with Julaina Asage from Wikileaks
- Army, cabinet shake-up due to Peru hostage crisis
- U.S. grants visas to 60 Cubans, reject 11 for Latin America conference San Francisco
- Central America: One out of fifty young people will die due to violence according to U.N.
- Former Peru President "Toledo" failed to give speech, rejected by students at University of Cajamarca
Puerto Rico
Religion
- Mexico: Easter services cancelled Cathedral of Chilpancingo, earthquake damage
- Mexico: Group responsible for deaths in Santa Muerte ritual, committing sacrifices since 2009
- Mexico: Bodies located of child, teenager, woman killed by Satanic Sect worshipers (Santa Muerte), Agua Prieta and Nacozari Mexico
- Amnesty International reports harassment of human rights activists during Pope's visit Cuba
- Sick visit the "psychic surgeon" in Brazil
Shining Path
- Former Peruvian President supports Humala's battle against Shining Path
- Using children in armed activities by terrorists in Peru is condemned
- Small group in Chile, protests demanding release of Abimael Guzman, former leader of Shining Pathof
- Shining Path killed three members of Peru's forces
- Shining Path releases hostages, Peru
Social Issues
- Mexican journalist becomes victim number 12, in 2012, signs of torture
- GLBT community celebrate Quito center day against homophobia
- Study reveals 50% of high school students consume alcohol
- Four to Five cases of sexual assault reported daily, Arequipa Peru
- Authorities believe individuals killed in joint Honduran, DEA operation were not involved in trafficking
South America
- Guide to Documentary Sources for Andean Studies, 1530–1900, recorded interview with editor Dr. Joanne Pillsbury
- Ten Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico
- Domestic violence increases substantially in Huila, Colombia
- Growing presence of Hezballah in Latin America worries U.S. officials
- Former Peruvian military leader warns of growing Iranian presence in Latin America
Spanish School Directory
Suriname
- Brazil assisting Suriname in fight against transnational crime, opens up lines of credit
- Suriname, increase in number of leishmaniasis
- Latin American Countries to Study Amazon Deforestation and Water Resources
- With Aid and Migrants, China Expands Its Presence in Suriname
- Suriname for stronger ties with India
Terrorism
- Neo_Nazis in Minnesota planned attack on Mexican Consulate
- Bus explosion in banking area of Bogota Colombia, 5 dead 21 wounded
- Explosive attack Itaú Bank branch in Concepción, Chile
- Sabatoge of power lines Dominican Republic serious security issue
- Helicopter shot down in Peru terrorist attack belongs to DEA not Peruvian National Police
TRAVEL
- Mexico: Increased surveillance for cholera in ice factories
- Whooping cough cases up 90%, 2012 in Argentina, remerging disease
- Crime victims Cuenca ask city to integrate security camera system to monitor historic center
- Number of Americans killed in Mexico continues to rise
- UK Guatemala Travel Advisory
United States
- Increased Crackdown on Mexican Border Forces Colombian Drug Routes Through Caribbean
- Arizona Prime Location for Mexican Drug Trafficking with 23% of Border Drugs
- US fugitive detained in Mexico
- Peru's laundering mechanism with illegal logging, destroying forests
- Number of Americans killed in Mexico continues to rise
Uruguay
- Uruguayan president makes surprise visit with his counterpart in Argentina
- Uruguay and Brazil's presidents meeting to discuss trade expansion
- Uruguay: One out of three murder victims had criminal record
- Uruguay: Three nurses accused of murdering 16 patients
- Uruguay: Human remains discovered in military area
Venezuela
- Venezuela: Food production facing crisis
- Authorities fail to control two week old riot in Caracas prison
- Venezuela: crossword puzzle writer accused of encrypted message calling for murder of Chavez's brother
- Venezuela highest rate of teenage pregnancies South America
- Venezuelan prisons have alarming levels of violence according to IACHR
Weather/Climate
- Three earthquakes recorded different regions of Peru Monday May 14, 2012
- Tungurahua Ecuador volcano seismic activity increases
- Mexico's IMSS urges precautions due to hot weather, rains to combat spread of malaria
- Mexico: If Popocatépetl volcano alert goes red, voting locations could be changed
- Popocatépetl Volcano Mexico continues activity
Z1test
- Guatemala will be declared in "nutritional risk" next week
- Guayaquil, Husband allegedly kills x-wife with machete in front of their children
- Colombia, 15 human traffickers detained, bringing undocumented across Ecuador border
- Montevideo Uruguay, 1,600 people living on the streets
- TRANSLATINA, trailer from documentary about transvestites (graphic)
Zetas
- Mexico: Leader of hitman unit of Zetas arrested
- Mexico: The Zetas, respond to the Message left by El Chapo
- Two U.S. soldiers arrested, offered assassination services to Zetas Mexican Cartel
- Mexican Army captures leader of Los Zetas in Nuevo Laredo
- Guatemala: Cartels appear to be posting narcobanners (Video)
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