Argentina’s Cities Plagued by Criminal Activity

The streets of Argentina are riddled with criminal activity, from drug trafficking to money laundering, extortion, and even contract killings. Powerful clans operate with impunity, often enjoying protection from corrupt politicians, judges, and law enforcement officials.

Criminal Networks Run Amok

In Argentina’s cities, criminal networks have infiltrated every level of society. Some groups operate from prisons, where they continue to engage in illegal activities. These networks are known for supplying cocaine and marijuana to urban areas, with connections to police and state actors. Car theft and car parts theft are also lucrative sources of income.

Foreign Organized Crime Groups Proliferate

Foreign organized crime groups from Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil have established a presence in Argentina’s illicit drug market and arms trafficking. However, their influence is limited due to the diverse territories controlled by different local groups.

Corruption Runs Deep

Corruption is rampant in Argentina’s government, judiciary, and law enforcement agencies. The presidency has been accused of being the most corrupt institution, with high-level officials involved in money laundering and other criminal activities. Even private sector actors are complicit, engaging in tax evasion, money laundering, and smuggling.

Insecurity and Lack of Transparency

Argentines have little confidence in their government institutions due to a perceived lack of transparency and corruption. The federal government has made efforts to improve transparency, but at the municipal level, corruption remains a concern. Drug-trafficking money has been used to finance political campaigns, particularly at the local level.

International Cooperation and Efforts

Argentina is actively involved in international efforts to combat organized crime, collaborating with INTERPOL and other law enforcement agencies. The country has signed extradition treaties with several countries and has a strong legal framework for combating organized crime. However, its cybercrime laws and data protection regulations need updating and strengthening.

Criminal Justice System Flawed

Argentina’s judicial system is considered corrupt and inefficient, especially at the lower and provincial court levels. Allegations of politicization and political manipulation contribute to low trust in the judiciary among the population. The country’s prison conditions are poor, with overcrowding, poor hygiene, and deficient food.

Police Force Faces Challenges

The Argentinian police force is generally considered more trustworthy than the government and judiciary, but public trust remains limited. Accusations of officers offering protection to drug traffickers and money launderers have been made. The Argentine Federal Police maintains well-equipped special units, but the length of Argentina’s land borders makes it difficult to exert control.

Economic and Financial Environment Challenged

Argentina has had anti-money laundering laws in place for years, but their effectiveness is limited. The country’s judiciary lacks experience in this type of crime, and interinstitutional coordination may contribute to its ineffectiveness. The economic sectors at highest risk for money laundering are trade and the informal currency exchange market.

Argentina has a well-established system in place to provide assistance to trafficking victims, but corruption has hampered anti-trafficking measures. The government has failed to improve witness protection measures and even disbanded the National Agency for the Protection of Witnesses and Defendants. However, the country maintains a successful interdisciplinary approach to drug addiction treatment.

NGOs and Media Fight Against Organized Crime

Several NGOs are involved in the fight against organized crime in Argentina, and the national media operates relatively freely. However, certain outlets critical of authorities have been targeted with defamation suits, putting them under financial strain. The national intelligence agency has been accused of collecting dossiers on journalists, but there have been no attacks on journalists in the past two decades.