Paraguay’s Ongoing Struggle Against Organized Crime: Key Challenges

The small landlocked country of Paraguay has long been plagued by the challenges posed by organized crime. From corruption-ridden institutions to poorly implemented laws, this report highlights the key obstacles that hinder efforts to combat these activities effectively.

1. Corruption: A Perpetual Threat

The government and law enforcement agencies are often implicated in or turn a blind eye to criminal activities, allowing them to flourish.
This pervasive corruption undermines trust in institutions and creates an environment where organized crime can thrive.

2. Weak Institutions: A Hurdle to Effective Combating

Paraguay’s institutions, including the judiciary, lack resources, coordination, and are deeply corrupt.
As a result, efforts to combat organized crime are hindered by the inability to effectively implement laws and bring perpetrators to justice.

3. Poor Leadership and Governance: A Systemic Issue

State officials at all levels participate in criminal markets, including contraband and drug trafficking.
This undermines efforts to combat organized crime and creates a culture of impunity that perpetuates these activities.

4. Lack of Effective Implementation of Laws

Despite having laws aimed at tackling organized crime, money laundering, and arms-trafficking, they are not effectively implemented due to the country’s weak institutions.
A judiciary that lacks resources and coordination among its departments exacerbates this issue.

5. Economic and Financial Environment: A Haven for Money Laundering

Paraguay has one of the highest risks of money laundering and terrorist financing in the region, with criminal operators using legitimate businesses as fronts for illegal activities.
This creates a complex environment where organized crime can operate undetected.

6. Civil Society Challenges: Threats to Press Freedom and Support

While civil society organizations are active and have successfully campaigned for laws to tackle organized-crime-related issues, they face threats and attacks.
Concentrated media ownership hinders press freedom, making it difficult for these groups to raise awareness about the issue.

7. Limited Support for Victims of Slavery

Paraguay lacks efficient mechanisms to support victims of slavery, leaving them vulnerable and without resources.

8. Overcrowded and Abusive Prisons: A breeding Ground for Crime Organizations

The country’s prisons have facilitated the development of crime organizations, perpetuating a cycle of violence and corruption.

9. Issues around Territorial Integrity: Control and Borders

Authorities struggle to control vast areas of the country with a strong criminal presence.
Foreign and national criminal organizations use the country’s extensive and porous borders to transit in and out of Paraguay.

10. Limited International Cooperation: Challenges Ahead

While Paraguay has signed cooperation agreements with neighboring countries, it is still too early to assess whether these will lead to significant improvements in security beyond seizure, eradication, and arrest operations.
This highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Paraguay in its efforts to combat organized crime.