The grand Beaux-Arts Portal Fernández Concha building in downtown Santiago, Chile, was once a fashionable hotel but has now become a hub for gang-driven crime. Men alleged to be members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang turned rented rooms in the building into a base for a sex trafficking ring. Police dismantled the operation in 2023, but the area still sees young women approaching passing men, indicating continued illicit activities.
Chile has become a target for organised crime groups looking to expand into new regions with less criminal competition and relative wealth. The Tren de Aragua, formed in a Venezuelan prison in 2014, has seized the opportunity presented by some 7.7 million refugees from Venezuela’s economic collapse, making inroads into Chile and other countries in the region. As a result, Chile’s murder rate has nearly doubled since 2019, leading to increased concerns about crime among citizens and a shift in political focus towards security.
The Tren de Aragua’s involvement in high-profile assassinations and other criminal activities has drawn attention to the migrant settlements in Chile, which have grown due to the influx of new arrivals and the state’s inability to absorb them. These settlements have become fertile ground for criminal exploitation, with young people lacking access to basic services and vulnerable to recruitment by gangs. While anti-migrant sentiment has risen among Chileans, it is mostly migrants who fall victim to the gangs, highlighting the complex social dynamics at play.
The Tren de Aragua’s modus operandi differs from other more well-known criminal groups, as it operates in loosely connected cells and takes on contract jobs like assassinations and drug trafficking for other gangs. Chilean authorities have taken steps to address the rise in organised crime, including the creation of specialised units, the implementation of national policies, and the prosecution of Tren de Aragua members. However, institutional corruption poses a challenge, as evidenced by reports of police officers sharing information with the gang.
The increasing presence of organised crime in Chile, along with conflicts with indigenous groups in the south, has elevated security concerns ahead of the upcoming elections. The rightwing in Chile has capitalised on the crime wave to criticise President Gabriel Boric, who had initially focused on social safety nets and human rights. Boric’s government has been forced to shift its priorities to security issues, implementing reforms and cracking down on organised crime to address public concerns and maintain political stability.
Despite the challenges posed by organised crime, Chilean authorities remain vigilant in combatting these threats and safeguarding the country’s security. The launch of mass trials for Tren de Aragua members and ongoing efforts to strengthen law enforcement demonstrate a commitment to addressing the root causes of crime and ensuring the safety of Chilean citizens. As Chile grapples with the impacts of organised crime and migrant settlements, a multi-faceted approach that addresses social, economic, and political factors will be essential to effectively combatting criminal activities and ensuring a safer future for all.
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