Chile’s Fight Against Organized Crime: A Struggle Beyond Prisons

Santiago, Chile - As Chile battles against organized crime, it becomes increasingly clear that the struggle extends far beyond prison walls.

The Challenges of Combating Organized Crime

The country’s law enforcement agencies, including the Carabineros de Chile and PDI, are working to combat drug trafficking, human smuggling, and other forms of criminal activity. However, a lack of accountability and oversight has led to concerns about police brutality and corruption.

The porous borders with Bolivia and Peru in the Atacama Desert make it difficult for authorities to control illegal activities, particularly in the north where Venezuelan and Bolivian mafias are believed to be in control.
The northern ports of Chile have also become attractive to criminal organizations due to their proximity to internal markets in neighboring countries.

States of Exception and Military Involvement

Despite efforts to stem the tide of organized crime, criminal markets continue to expand, leading to the implementation of states of exception and the involvement of the armed forces in public security functions. Chile has been considered one of the safest countries in Latin America in terms of cyber-security attacks, although improvements are still needed.

Economic and Financial Concerns

The country’s economic and financial environment is also a concern, with an increase in illicit financial flows into the country, particularly due to drug trafficking and organized-crime groups laundering their gains. Money-laundering activities have been detected in legal accounting services, retailers, and e-commerce merchants, which are identified as high-risk sectors.

Macroeconomic Policy Framework

Chile’s macroeconomic policy framework is strong, with a high GDP per capita in the Americas. However, complying with environmental regulations can be a lengthy and unpredictable process, causing concern for businesses operating in the country.

Chile has established programs to support victims and witnesses of crimes, including human smuggling and trafficking. However, NGOs have reported inadequate funding for victim assistance, particularly for children and male victims.

Combating Organized Crime

To combat organized crime, Chile has implemented various strategies, including efforts to reduce poverty and extreme poverty, as well as specific plans to address money laundering, human trafficking, and drug trafficking. The country’s human development index is the highest in Latin America, although it is also considered one of the most unequal countries in the region.

Conclusion

Despite these challenges, Chile remains a stable democracy with a highly active and involved civil society. However, media coverage in the country faces challenges due to concentrated ownership and limited resources, leading to concerns about press freedom and investigative journalism. As Chile continues to grapple with organized crime, it is clear that a comprehensive approach is needed, involving not only law enforcement agencies but also economic development, social protection, and civil society engagement. Only through this collaborative effort can the country hope to effectively combat the scourge of organized crime and ensure a safer future for its citizens.