Central America
The Surge in Extortion in Honduras: How New Criminal Players Are Shaping the Landscape
Extortion appears to be increasing in Honduras as smaller gangs fill the gap left by larger groups who are retreating from the criminal economy. At the same time, arrests for extortion are falling, indicating growing impunity for this predatory criminal activity. Over 300,000 households reported that they paid extortion to one or more criminal … Read more
As of November 2024, Costa Rica’s Homicide Rate Is 2.39 per Day or 16.6 Homicides per Every 100,000 Inhabitants
In 2024, Costa Rica is maintaining a homicide rate similar to last year. The country’s current homicide rate stands at 2.39 per day or 16.6 homicides per every 100,000 inhabitants, which is slightly lower than the rate recorded in 2023. In 2023, Costa Rica’s Homicide Rate was 2.48 per day … Read more
The Central American Bank for Economic Integration will grant $646 million to El Salvador in 2025
The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) announced on Tuesday, November 12, the disbursement of $646 million for El Salvador to be delivered in 2025. The funds will be used for new infrastructure projects and current projects. The announcement of the fund’s disbursement came during a meeting between CABEI … Read more
U.S. Arrest Turkish Broker Linked to Venezuelan Oil Trade
The arrest of a prominent Venezuelan oil broker in the United States may signal turbulent times ahead for Nicolás Maduro’s administration following Donald Trump’s re-election. On November 2, Turkish businessman Taskin Torlak was arrested in Florida, on charges of conspiracy to transport sanctioned Venezuelan oil, the US Department of Justice reported. Torlak, who owns several shipping … Read more
Costa Rica Honors President Bukele with Top Diplomatic Award for Reducing Crime in El Salvador
Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves presented Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele with the highest distinction awarded by the Costa Rican nation to foreign heads of state. Bukele was awarded the Juan Mora Fernández National Order in the Degree of Grand Cross Gold Plate, the highest decoration that Costa Rica grants to … Read more