The Gallegos | “Military intervention should be a last resort in combating organized crime in Chile”

Chile has seen a rise in violent crimes in recent years due to the presence of international organized crime gangs such as the Tren de Aragua, Los Trinitarios, and Los Pulpos. Homicides, rapes, and robberies with violence or intimidation have increased significantly between 2014 and 2023, according to data from the Center for Crime Studies and Analysis.

The country is awaiting a mega-trial against 38 members of the criminal gang Galicians, a subsidiary of the 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 involved.

Pia Greene, a researcher at the Center for Studies in Public Security and Organized Crime, discussed the strategies authorities are using to combat transnational crime and the challenges they face in dealing with evolving criminal modalities. She highlighted the need for better intelligence gathering and coordination among various law enforcement agencies to effectively address organized crime.

Greene also emphasized the importance of implementing a comprehensive prison policy to address overcrowding, reduce criminogenic contagion, and provide rehabilitation and reintegration programs for inmates. She suggested that alternative measures to incarceration should be explored for certain offenders.

While the potential militarization of crime, as seen in some countries like Ecuador, may be considered, Greene cautioned against it due to the risk of escalating violence and militarized approaches to law enforcement. She stressed the importance of evaluating all options carefully and ensuring clear guidelines and protocols are in place before implementing such measures.