Argentina’s New President Faces Triad of Troubles: Enforced Crime Problems Ahead

As Javier Milei prepares to take office on December 10, he is set to inherit a complex web of organized crime issues that have plagued Argentina for years. Experts warn that tackling these problems will be a significant challenge for the new president.

Transnational Drug Trafficking: A Porous Border Problem

Argentina’s borders with Bolivia and Paraguay are particularly vulnerable to transnational drug trafficking. The northern provinces of Salta and Jujuy serve as transit points for cocaine shipments bound for Europe and Australia. To combat this issue, authorities should focus on controlling departure points, such as the 20 international ports, where control can be more effective.

• Key statistics:
  • Cocaine use is high in Argentina
  • Marijuana consumption is increasing
  • Main markets are abroad

Corruption: A Culture of Crime

High-profile cases involving former President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and other public officials demonstrate a culture of corruption that allows organized crime groups to bypass border inspections, avoid prosecution, and launder profits. Milei will need to address this issue by strengthening institutions and implementing reforms.

• Notable examples:
  • The Castedo Clan exploited corrupt officials for decades
  • The Gordos marijuana trafficking group relied on corrupt public officials

Money Laundering: A Vital Component of Organized Crime

Argentina’s organized crime groups rely heavily on money laundering to convert their criminal activities into usable profits. Milei will need to increase the country’s anti-money laundering capacity to address this issue effectively.

• Key statistics:
  • 59% of money laundering sentences in Argentina involved drug trafficking
  • Argentine courts rarely try these cases due to a lack of centralized databases for evidence and an informal economy that relies mostly on cash payments

Challenges Ahead

To combat organized crime, Milei will need the political will to prosecute major cases and implement reforms. However, given his party’s limited representation in both houses of the legislature, forming a coalition with allies may be necessary to achieve this goal.

• Key challenges:
  • Prosecuting major cases
  • Implementing reforms to strengthen Law 25.246
  • Forming a coalition with allies to pass legislation