Chile’s Struggle to Combat Organized Crime

Chile is facing a significant challenge in combating organized crime, with experts stating that the problem extends beyond prisons and into the outside world.

Lack of Accountability

The Carabineros de Chile, the national militarized police force, and the PDI, which investigates crimes such as drug trafficking and organized crime, have been criticized for their lack of accountability. The government’s failure to establish an ombudsman’s office with jurisdiction over alleged cases of excessive or indiscriminate use of force has contributed to the problem.

Porous Borders

Chile’s extensive borders pose a significant challenge in controlling illegal activities such as drug trafficking and human smuggling. The porous borders with Bolivia and Peru, particularly in the Atacama Desert, make it difficult to monitor irregular border crossings. Criminal organizations have taken advantage of Chile’s geographical location, using the northern ports as a hub for criminal activity.

Government Efforts

The government has implemented measures to combat organized crime, including:

• Creation of the Financial Analysis Unit
• Imposing substantial fines on anti-money laundering activities
• Establishing the National Plan against Drug Trafficking

Despite these efforts, there has been an increase in illicit financial flows into the country, particularly due to the rise of organized-crime groups.

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, which is a cause for concern.

Civil Society’s Role

Civil society has played a crucial role in providing support and protection to victims and witnesses of crimes. The victim support programme and the Regional Units for Victim and Witness Support provide orientation, support, and protection to victims and witnesses during the criminal process.

However, NGOs have reported inadequate funding for victim assistance, particularly for children and male victims, which hinders victim support efforts.

Challenges Ahead

Despite these challenges, Chile remains a stable democracy with a highly active and involved civil society. However, media coverage in Chile faces challenges due to concentrated media ownership and a lack of resources. Investigative journalism has been losing ground, and attacks against journalists have increased.

To combat organized crime effectively, it is clear that a multi-faceted approach is needed, including:

• Strengthening law enforcement agencies
• Improving victim support services
• Promoting transparency and accountability

Additional Reporting

The Chilean government has implemented various strategies to prevent and combat organized crime, including efforts to reduce poverty and extreme poverty. The country’s human development index is the highest in Latin America, although Chile is also considered one of the most unequal countries in the region.

The National Plan against Drug Trafficking has resulted in increased drug seizures, but there is still no national policy against organized crime.

Sources

• United States Department of State
• OCINDEX.NET
• Various NGOs and civil society organizations

This article was funded in part by a grant from the United States Department of State. The opinions, findings, and conclusions stated herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of State.