This week's On the Radar highlights the latest massacre by the Gran Grif gang in Haiti, the trial of Sérgio Roberto de Carvalho, nicknamed Brazil's “Escobar” for his alleged role in a major cocaine trafficking operation, and the growing legal troubles of former Venezuelan First Lady Cilia Flores, who faces drug charges in the United States.
Transcription
In this week's On the Radar, we ask:
What does the latest gang massacre in Haiti tell us about the country's criminal landscape?
What does the trial of an alleged trafficker known as Pablo Escobar of Brazil reveal about the cocaine pipeline to Europe?
And to what extent was Venezuela's former first lady, Cilia Flores, an accomplished criminal leader?
Haiti's gang crisis worsens with massacre
First, in besieged Haiti, members of the Gran Grif gang attacked a town in Artibonite, killing at least 70 people and injuring 30.
Gran Grif is one of the most brutal groups operating in the Artibonite. In 2024, the gang killed at least 155 people in the commune of Port Sondé.
It is the latest attack in a years-long gang crisis. Massacres often occur when a gang believes civilians are collaborating with another armed group or when it simply wants to retaliate against or take over a rival.
Early reports suggest this attack follows this pattern, although details are still emerging.
Brazilian “Pablo Escobar” goes on trial
The trial of suspected Brazilian drug trafficker Sérgio Roberto de Carvalho began this week in Belgium. For years, Carvalho, nicknamed Brazil's Pablo Escobar, used false identities, discreet corruption and even faked his own death.
His case shows how discreet brokers are replacing well-known capos in the drug trade, and how Brazil now plays a key role in the cocaine pipeline to Europe.
Former First Lady of Venezuela under fire
Finally, Cilia Flores, the former first lady of Venezuela, is under new scrutiny due to the Jardin des Fleurs trafficking network she allegedly led when she and her husband – Nicolas Maduro – were in power. A new Wall Street Journal report says Flores rewarded his family members with drug routes, state contracts and impunity and helped them transport drug shipments out of the presidential hangar at Caracas International Airport.
The report on Flores' role in Venezuela highlights the important role women play in organized crime, so often underestimated due to gender stereotypes.
That's all for this week's On the Radar – don't miss our criminal profiles on all of Venezuela's major players, as well as the cocaine pipeline to Europe and Haiti's criminal landscape. We'll be back with more next week.
