Confronting the Rise of Transnational Crime in Chile: Strategies and Challenges for Law Enforcement

Transnational crime has been on the rise in Chile, and this is largely due to the presence of international organized crime gangs such as Tren de Aragua, Los Trinitarios, and Los Pulpos. Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in homicides, rapes, and robberies with violence or intimidation between 2014 and 2023 according to data from the Center for Crime Studies and Analysis.

The country is currently waiting for a mega-trial against 38 members of the criminal gang Galicians, a subsidiary of Tren de Aragua. This trial is considered one of the most complex criminal processes in recent years due to the high level of danger involved. Pia Greene, a researcher at the Center for Studies in Public Security and Organized Crime, discussed strategies authorities are using to combat transnational crime and challenges they face in dealing with evolving criminal modalities.

Greene emphasized that better intelligence gathering and coordination among various law enforcement agencies are essential to effectively address organized crime. She also highlighted the need for implementing a comprehensive prison policy to address overcrowding, reduce criminogenic contagion, provide rehabilitation and reintegration programs for inmates. Greene suggested that alternative measures to incarceration should be explored for certain offenders.

While some may consider militarizing law enforcement as an option to combat transnational crime as seen in some countries like Ecuador, Greene cautioned against it due to the risk of escalating violence and militarized approaches to law enforcement. She stressed that all options must be carefully evaluated before implementation with clear guidelines and protocols in place.

In conclusion, Chile has seen an increase in violent crimes due to transnational organized crime gangs’ presence. To effectively combat these crimes authorities need better intelligence gathering coordination among different law enforcement agencies