Paraguay’s Criminal Underworld: A Web of Corruption and Violence

Paraguay is entangled in a complex network of organized crime, corruption, and violence, with mafia-style groups operating within its borders. The country’s abusive and violent prison system has given rise to powerful criminal organizations, while foreign criminal actors have also established themselves in the region.

Criminal Organizations

Clan Rotela: A family-based organization that controls a significant percentage of the drug trade in Paraguay and has a strong presence across most of the country’s departments.
Paraguayan People’s Party (EPP): A guerrilla movement that has carried out impactful operations, including the kidnapping of a former vice president.

Foreign Criminal Actors

Brazilian criminal organizations: Operating in various criminal markets, including drugs, arms, and cigarette contraband.
Chinese criminal organizations: Engaged in illegal activities such as drug trafficking and money laundering.
Hezbollah-linked groups: Active in the tri-border area, known for its corruption and crime.

State Complicity

The Paraguayan government’s involvement in organized crime is extensive, with evidence of high-level officials participating in or facilitating criminal activities. This includes:

Low-ranking security officials facilitating criminal activity
Mid-level officials prosecuted for corruption
Elite- level officials, including ministers, members of Congress, and even presidents, implicated in organized crime

Weak Institutions and Governance

Paraguay’s weak institutions and governance are major contributors to the country’s organized crime problem. This includes:

A judiciary plagued by corruption and a lack of resources
Political leadership failing to implement anti-organized crime laws
Corruption remaining widespread

Economic and Financial Environment

Paraguay is considered one of the highest-risk countries in the region for money laundering and terrorist financing. Criminal operators use legitimate businesses as fronts for illegal activities, including drug trafficking and arms trafficking.

Despite challenges, civil society organizations are active in Paraguay and have campaigned for anti-organized crime laws. However, threats and attacks against journalists and media workers continue to pose obstacles to press freedom.

Conclusion

As Paraguay struggles to combat organized crime, it is clear that a comprehensive approach is needed, involving stronger institutions, better governance, and international cooperation. Until then, the country will remain mired in corruption, violence, and criminal activity.