Chile: A Deadly Toll to Cross the Border

A shocking report from Chile reveals a deadly toll for those who refuse to pay to cross the border into the country. Private sector actors are heavily involved in money laundering activities, with cash, bank accounts, and wire transfers being the most commonly used methods.

Money Laundering Activities

• Notaries
• Automobile companies
• Legal accounting services
• Retailers
• E-commerce merchants
• Banks
• Real estate agencies
• Exchange houses

These businesses are often unwittingly involved in money laundering activities, with cash, bank accounts, and wire transfers being the most commonly used methods.

Corruption within the Chilean State

• Corruption among police officers has been identified as a major factor in facilitating criminal markets, particularly at the country’s borders.
• Some police officers have been found to be collaborating with criminal groups involved in drug trafficking, robbery, and other criminal activities.
• Prison guards have also been accused of corruption and drug trafficking.

Government Response

• The government has shown willingness to combat organized crime, despite a recent surge in homicides and rising levels of insecurity.
• However, the rejection of the new constitution has led to an increasingly polarized country and divided government.

International Obligations

• Chile has signed all international treaties related to organized crime and complies with its international obligations.
• The country has also shown strong police action against crime and cooperates with INTERPOL.

Challenges Faced by the Judicial System

• Low rates of judges per capita
• Low percentage of GDP invested in the system
• Scarcity of convictions and non-enforcement of sentences for serious organized crimes

These challenges have increased the public’s perception of impunity, making it difficult to combat organized crime effectively.

Economic and Financial Environment

• Chile is widely regarded as one of the world’s most secure countries in terms of money laundering.
• However, there has been an increase in illicit financial flows into the country, particularly due to the rise of organized-crime groups that need to launder their gains from illegal activities.

Support for Victims and Witnesses

• The report highlights the importance of providing support and protection to victims and witnesses of crimes, including human smuggling and trafficking.
• It notes that while Chile has implemented various strategies to prevent and combat organized crime, more needs to be done to address money laundering, human trafficking and smuggling, and drug trafficking.

In conclusion, the report emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to combating organized crime in Chile, including addressing corruption within the state, improving the judicial system, and providing support to victims and witnesses.