Criminal Networks in the Americas

Abstract

Drawing on in-depth analysis of nineteen criminal networks in the Americas, this paper develops a multidimensional typology of criminal organization that can be used by policymakers to more effectively target criminal networks. The typology distinguishes between criminal networks by evaluating the relative priority that criminal networks ascribe to three forms of capital: state-embedded networks, motivated predominantly by political capital; social-constituency networks, motivated predominantly by social capital; and entrepreneurial networks, motivated predominantly by an effort to secure economic capital. These motivating factors are a combination of organizing principles, core ethos, and identity. They shape the guiding “logic,” or modus vivendi, for each type of networks’ criminal activities: whether they privilege political, social, or economic capital. The three modus vivendi, in turn, lead to corresponding modus operandi – the tactics which the network favors – and to structures that enable those tactics and behaviors.

Each of type of networks requires a substantially different approach to mitigate their power and effects. Mitigating the effects of state-embedded networks requires empowering international and local bodies, and supporting civil society organizations and media. Governments may work to mitigate the effects of social-constituency networks by creating competing social-constituencies and providing more effective services. Authorities may mitigate the power of entrepreneurial networks through demand-reduction policies and by targeting chokepoints in distribution chains and money laundering operations. Without effective mitigation, over time networks tend to build out their capital in other dimensions, enabling them to embed more effectively in political, social, and economic structures and making them more resilient to disruption.

Keywords: Latin America, crime, criminal networks, transnational