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Chile has seen a rise in violent crimes in recent years, largely due to the presence of international organized crime gangs entering the country. Groups such as Tren de Aragua from Venezuela, Los Trinitarios from New York, and Los Pulpos from Peru have contributed to the increase in criminal activity. Between 2014 and 2023, homicides increased by 60%, rapes by 46%, and robberies with violence or intimidation by 11%, according to data from the Center for Crime Studies and Analysis.
As the judicial level prepares for a mega-trial against 38 members of the Galician criminal gang, a subsidiary of Tren de Aragua, for various crimes including homicide, kidnapping, human trafficking, sexual exploitation, extortion, arms and drug trafficking. This trial is considered one of the most complex criminal processes in recent years due to the high level of danger posed by those involved.
Pia Greene, a researcher at the Center for Studies in Public Security and Organized Crime at San Sebastián University discussed the challenges of combating transnational crime in Chile. She highlighted that organized crime has evolved into more violent crimes against individuals which requires a change in approach towards tackling it. While progress has been made addressing organized crime but there is still need for better intelligence coordination between law enforcement agencies prosecutors and judges. There is also a need for prison reform as well as comprehensive policies that address root causes of crime in Chile.
Greene emphasized that an improved coordination between law enforcement agencies prosecutors and judges is crucial in effectively combat organized crime. She cautioned against militarizing crime as a solution citing potential risks negative consequences associated with such measures. Ultimately Greene stressed that a holistic approach that encompasses intelligence effective law enforcement social policies is necessary to address crime in Chile
