Killer Clans Run Amok in Argentina: Politicians, Judges and Police Tipped to Be Enablers

A shadowy network of clans is wreaking havoc in Argentina, using violence and intimidation to maintain their grip on the country’s criminal underworld. The groups, many of which are based in prisons, enjoy protection from politicians, judges, and law enforcement officials, allowing them to carry out a range of illegal activities with impunity.

The Clans

• Many links to foreign organized crime groups from Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil
• Involved in drug trafficking, arms dealing, extortion, money laundering, and car theft
• Supply cocaine and marijuana to urban areas, with some connections to the police and state actors

The Problem of Corruption

Widespread Corruption

• The presidency is seen as the most corrupt governmental body in the country
• Many believe that drug-trafficking money has been used to finance political campaigns, particularly at the local level

Lack of Transparency

• Government accused of a lack of transparency in procurement related to the COVID-19 pandemic
• Contracts bypassing bidding processes due to the emergency declaration, leading to concerns about the misuse of public funds and potential for corruption

The Justice System

Failing Judicial System

• Argentina’s judicial system is corrupt and inefficient
• Poor prison conditions contribute to a toxic environment that encourages criminal activity

Police Force

• Generally considered more trustworthy than government and judiciary, but public trust remains relatively limited
• Accusations of officers offering protection to drug traffickers and money launderers erode confidence in the system

Economic Crisis

Regulatory Environment

• Low regulatory quality and high inflation rates hinder economic growth
• Informal employment rate is substantial, making it difficult for legitimate businesses to operate

International Aid

• Argentina’s reliance on international aid raises concerns about its ability to tackle organized crime and corruption effectively
• Lack of trust in government and judiciary means that many are skeptical about the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures

Civil Society Under Pressure

Intimidation and Harassment

• Civil society groups face intimidation and harassment from criminal organizations
• NGOs involved in fighting against organized crime, but efforts hindered by lack of resources and government support

Media Freedom

• National media operates relatively freely, although certain outlets critical of authorities have been targeted with defamation suits
• National intelligence agency accused of collecting dossiers on journalists, but no attacks on journalists in the past two decades

Conclusion

Argentina is facing a severe crisis of organized crime and corruption, with many believing that politicians, judges, and police officials are complicit in the criminal activity. The government’s lack of transparency and trust has led to widespread skepticism about its ability to tackle these issues effectively.