Gangsters have a tight grip on Haiti. Even if they can be pushed back in 2026, the country will need help for a long time to come https://t.co/yUcOEta8Iz ...

As Latin America’s drug gangs have expanded, and their operations grown more sophisticated, human trafficking has become an important part of their portfolios https://t.co/lAgbPqZwjn ...

International Relations - Brazil seeks US assistance in combating organized crime [1] Trade Negotiations - The collaboration is part of ongoing trade negotiations between Brazil and the US [1]

US-Venezuela Relations & Drug Trafficking - The US designated a group allegedly tied to Venezuelan President Maduro as a foreign terrorist organization, though it's considered a loosely organized network of drug traffickers [1] - The US administration claims Maduro heads the group but hasn't provided specific evidence [2] - The term "cartel de loles" originated in the 1990s, referring to corrupt military officers and officials [2] - The US military buildup in the Caribbean has resulted in over 80 deaths [3] - Maduro has dismissed the US's actions as ridiculous [4] Analysis of the Designation - This is the first time the US has designated a government as a cartel [5] - While there's evidence of Venezuelan state complicity in drug trafficking, it's not on the scale of major cartels [6][7] - Between 8% and 24% of cocaine entering the US passes through the Caribbean near Venezuela [7] - A survey indicated that 56% of people believe military action in Venezuela wouldn't stop the flow of drugs into the US [8] - The designation is largely seen as a rhetorical move to pressure Maduro and potentially incite a coup [15] Potential Implications of the Designation - The FTO designation could allow the US to target "material enablers" doing business with the Maduro regime, potentially impacting companies like Chevron [18][19] - The Trump administration might use the designation to justify military action inside Venezuela [17] - Trump is reportedly considering a phone call with Maduro [20]

Allegations of Illegal Activities - Portland Trailblazers coach Chanty Bilips 被指控与有组织犯罪团伙合作，引诱赌徒参与使用高科技手段操纵的赌博游戏 [1] - 犯罪团伙涉嫌使用高科技设备（如 X 射线设备）获取玩家的牌面信息 [1] - 犯罪团伙通过蓝牙或桌面信号传递信息 [1]

Offshore Gaming and Scam Operations - The investigation into Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) began in 2019, focusing on social problems and abuses [1] - By 2022, reports emerged of Filipinos being forced into love scam operations in Myanmar, revealing a regional pattern [1] - POGOs in the Philippines were also implicated as scam compounds [2] Operational Characteristics - Scam operations were conducted in self-contained, modern building complexes located in remote areas [2] - These complexes included dormitories, workplaces, karaoke facilities, and small food outlets [2]

Naples’ chief prosecutor has warned that mafia outfits recruit young people “by showing them wealth and easy money.” Some bosses have even used TikTok to control their clan from within jail https://t.co/LDjtAb368t ...

Mobsters in Italy are exploiting social media to normalise their image, mythologise their culture and even to launder money, a study of 6,200 TikTok posts found https://t.co/dPT4uBwsLQ ...

Crime Trends - Italian mafia's traditional roles (extortion, hitman, drug-runner) are being replaced by social-media influencing [1] - Social-media influencing is a less risky occupation compared to traditional mafia activities [1]

The US is expected to designate Brazil’s two largest drug gangs as terrorist organizations, a move that is likely to amplify the debate over the best way to counter the growing threat of organized crime. https://t.co/amoa2eSwVh ...