Financial Crime World

Paraguay Climbs to 4th Place in Global Organized Crime Index

Asunción - Paraguay has made a significant jump to fourth place among 193 United Nations member countries in the latest edition of the Global Organized Crime Index 2023. This biannual study, conducted by the Swiss-based nongovernmental organization Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, reveals a concerning increase in crime rates in Paraguay.

Key Findings

  • Crime Rate Increase: Paraguay’s crime rate has risen to 7.52 points compared to 6.70 recorded in 2021.
  • Emerging Source of Cocaine: The country has transitioned from being a transit point to an emerging source of cocaine, with an estimated flow of almost 200 tons per year mainly from Bolivia and Peru.
  • Cocaine Trafficking Methods: Traffickers evade land controls by using air and sea routes, involving various criminals including politicians and agricultural workers.

Impact on the Country

  • Violence and Homicides: The report indicates a significant increase in violence and homicides in the country due to the influence of foreign criminal groups.
  • Brazilian and Argentine Markets: Paraguay serves as a distribution center for synthetic drugs destined for Argentina and Brazil, with the influence of foreign criminal groups expanding in the marijuana trade.

Efforts to Combat Organized Crime

  • Strengthened Controls at Ports: Authorities have strengthened controls at ports, reestablished canine services, and are looking into purchasing a shared radar system to improve airspace surveillance and protection.
  • Recent Seizure: A recent seizure of 3.3 tons of cocaine was made at the port of Villeta, south of Asunción, hidden in a container of rice bound for Belgium.

International Cooperation

  • Government Efforts: Minister Riera said that the government is working with international cooperation, including the technical support of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), to assess violence and insecurity levels and the functioning of institutions dealing with these problems.
  • Global Response: Martens emphasized that organized crime is a challenge that crosses borders, requiring effective cooperation between countries from its beginnings in Bolivia, through Paraguay and Argentina, to possible destinations such as Europe or the United States.