Organized Crime in Argentina: Key Challenges and Opportunities

Corruption and Ineffective Institutions

Argentina is a high-risk country for organized crime due to its porous borders, corrupt state institutions, and economic instability. The report highlights several key points that contribute to this environment:

Widespread Corruption

• Corruption is rampant in Argentina, with many government officials and business leaders involved in organized crime.
• This corruption has led to a lack of trust among the population and undermines efforts to combat organized crime.

Ineffective Judicial System

• Argentina’s judicial system is corrupt and inefficient, with low trust among the population due to allegations of politicization and political manipulation.
• The system is unable to effectively prosecute crimes, leading to high rates of impunity.

Criminal Groups and Activities

Various criminal groups operate in Argentina, including clans that assassinate judges, trade unions, soccer gangs, and Asian mafia-style groups. These groups are involved in a range of illicit activities, including:

• Cocaine trafficking
• Marijuana smuggling
• Car theft
• Money laundering

Prison Conditions and Police Corruption

Prison conditions in Argentina are poor, with overcrowding, poor hygiene, and deficient food contributing to a challenging environment for both prisoners and staff. The police force has also been accused of offering protection to drug traffickers and money launderers.

Economic Challenges

Argentina faces significant economic challenges, including high inflation, low regulatory quality, and a substantial informal employment rate. These challenges contribute to an environment conducive to organized crime and make it difficult to implement effective policies to combat it.

Overall, Argentina’s struggles with organized crime are complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of corruption, improve governance, and strengthen institutions.