Latin America & The Caribbean are home to well-established and powerful criminal networks engaged in an array of trafficking activities that undermine regional governments and faith in pluralistic societies at the doorstep of the United States. The more systems of local governance are eroded, the more other avenues of illicit activity can proliferate. Corrupt and criminal actors exploit these weakened systems of governance to hide the proceeds of corrupt or criminal activity. Meanwhile, profiteers maliciously plunder the region’s vast natural wealth in minerals, timber, and fishing, with little fear of recourse.

Using analytical sources such as trade data, satellite imagery, social media analysis and more, C4ADS seeks to understand and confront these challenges. Where possible, we partner with U.S. and local law enforcement, as well as regional investigative journalists with on-the-ground access to maximize our impact and ultimately disrupt corrupt and criminal actors in the region.