The Rise and Fall of the Monos Gang in Rosario, Argentina
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A Brief History of the Monos Gang
The Monos gang was a dominant force in Rosario’s underworld, involved in crimes such as murder, extortion, and drug trafficking. However, internal conflicts and revenge killings led to a violent power struggle that weakened the group.
The Decline of the Monos
In 2013, El Pájaro, the leader of the Monos, was killed in a revenge attack. This sparked a wave of violence as other groups sought to move in on the territory left vacant by the Monos’ decline. The city’s homicide rate skyrocketed, with nearly double the national average.
Factors Contributing to the Rise in Violence
Experts and law enforcement officials attribute the rise in violence to a combination of factors:
- Corruption within the police and judicial system: Widespread corruption within the security forces and prison system makes it difficult for authorities to effectively combat organized crime.
- Money laundering: The ease with which gangs can launder money contributes to their ability to operate undeterred.
- The illegal arms market: The availability of illicit firearms facilitates gang activity.
Investigating the Monos Gang
Authorities in the state of Santa Fe led an investigation into the Monos gang, using phone tapping to map the group’s structure and identify key players. Ultimately, several high-ranking members were brought to trial, including El Pájaro’s sister, who was found guilty of crimes such as money laundering and murder.
Addressing the Underlying Issues
Despite this success, many experts warn that the underlying factors that allowed the Monos to thrive are still in place. Corruption within the security forces and prison system remain major concerns, making it difficult for authorities to effectively combat organized crime.
Conclusion
The sentencing of the Monos’ leaders may be a significant step forward, but it is unlikely to have a lasting impact without addressing the deeper structural issues that enable gangs like the Monos to operate in Rosario.