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Transnational Crime Project (OPI-TCP)

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OPI-TCP:

The Transnational Crime Project at the Orion Policy Institute (OPI-TCP) produces analyses of the structure, activities, and broader security implications of cross-border criminal networks. Through policy briefs, op-eds, research, and webinars, the project examines how illegal organizations adapt to and influence regional and global dynamics, from Latin America to beyond. By emphasizing evidence-based insights and strategic policy assessments, this project aims to inform decision-makers and encourage more effective responses to transnational crime.

Jackie Ducharme 1

Jackie Ducharme

Project Coordinator

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Imdat Oner

Project Advisor

cragthomas

Craig Thomas

Research Associate

Rafaella Lipschitz

Rafaella Lipschitz

Research Associate

Madeline Garber

Madeline Garber

Research Intern

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Defense & Security, Americas, Transnational Crime Project

Apr 28 , 2026

Policy Brief

An Alternative Assessment of President Trump’s Strategy in Venezuela

Editor’s Note: This policy brief is Part V of an Orion Policy Institute (OPI) Transnational Crime Project (OPI-TCP) series. While unprecedented and unexpected, it increasingly appears that the United States’ capture of Nicolas Maduro in January 2026 was more than an isolated regional event. Instead, it was a broader strategic

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Transnational Crime, Americas, Transnational Crime Project

Apr 9 , 2026

Policy Brief

Examining the Crime-Terror Convergence in Venezuela

Editor’s Note: This policy brief is Part IV of an Orion Policy Institute (OPI) Transnational Crime Project (OPI-TCP) series and culminating report examining Venezuela’s transnational criminal networks, their regional security implications, and the evolving U.S. policy response. Introduction Venezuela, ranked seventh globally for the highest homicide rate, is characterized by

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tda

Crime & Justice, Transnational Crime, Americas

Mar 17 , 2026

Policy Brief

Tren de Aragua – Background and Transnational Challenge

Editor’s Note: This policy brief is Part III of an Orion Policy Institute (OPI) Transnational Crime Project (OPI-TCP) series and culminating report examining Venezuela’s transnational criminal networks, their regional security implications, and the evolving U.S. policy response. Introduction The rapid expansion of Tren de Aragua (TdA) from a Venezuelan prison

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Crime & Justice, Transnational Crime, Americas

Feb 26 , 2026

Op-Ed

Does the Kingpin Strategy Work?

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Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, commonly known as “El Mencho,” was captured in Tapalpa, Jalisco, less than 100 miles south of the capital, Guadalajara. During the military operation, a battle ensued, and Oseguera was injured and passed away from his injuries on a military helicopter, at which point the decision was made

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venezeula gangs

Crime & Justice, Transnational Crime, Americas

Feb 23 , 2026

Policy Brief

Understanding the Structure and Resilience of Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles

Editor’s Note: This policy brief is Part II of an Orion Policy Institute (OPI) Transnational Crime Project (OPI-TCP) series and culminating report examining Venezuela’s transnational criminal networks, their regional security implications, and the evolving U.S. policy response. In November 2025, the United States designated the Cartel de los Soles (CDS)

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venezuelan soldiers

Crime & Justice, Transnational Crime, Americas

Feb 4 , 2026

Policy Brief

Venezuela’s Hybrid Criminal Networks and U.S. Regional Strategy

Editor’s Note: This policy brief is Part I of an Orion Policy Institute (OPI) Transnational Crime Project (OPI-TCP) series and culminating report examining Venezuela’s transnational criminal networks, their regional security implications, and the evolving U.S. policy response. For years, U.S. policy toward Venezuela has fluctuated between sanctions, diplomacy, and public

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drugs police

Crime & Justice, Transnational Crime, Terrorism & Extremism, Americas

Dec 22 , 2025

Op-Ed

Counternarcotics as Counterterrorism: Colombia’s Clan del Golfo

The Trump administration’s recent designation of the Clan del Golfo Colombian armed group as a foreign terrorist organization marks a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s counter-narcotics policy in Latin America. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on December 16th that the Colombian group would join a growing list of

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Crime & Justice, Transnational Crime, Terrorism & Extremism, Americas

Sep 2 , 2025

Research Report

MS-13 Unmasked: Anatomy of a Decentralized Network

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Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), a designated foreign terrorist organization (FTO) and transnational criminal organization (TCO) by the U.S. federal government, has its origins in Los Angeles, California, in the 1980s. At that time, El Salvador was engulfed in a civil war between the government and leftist guerrilla forces, most notably the

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