CIMA Newsletter / Ed. August 2026: Diversification and Threats in Regional Illicit Trade
Updated: 4 hours ago
CIMA NEWSLETTER: Monthly analysis of operational and strategic illicit trade events in Latin America, developed through the Central for Investigation, Monitoring and Analysis of Illicit Trade (CIMA).
🚨 August confirmed a trend that requires attention: illicit trade in Latin America continues to become more sophisticated, diversifying its routes and taking advantage of new channels such as courier services, postal shipments, and digital platforms.
During the month, CIMA identified cases showing increased pressure on criminal structures, stronger controls at ports and borders, and the expansion of goods posing health risks.
📌 Key developments this month:
🇧🇷 In Brazil, the grounds for declaring the commercial registrations of companies involved in smuggling, customs evasion, or piracy ineligible were expanded, strengthening the tools available to disrupt the corporate structures used by criminal networks.
🇨🇱 In Chile, a bill was introduced in the Senate to classify aggravated customs smuggling committed by criminal organizations in ports, airports, and border crossings as a criminal offense and impose stricter penalties.
🇪🇨 In Ecuador, regulations governing international postal traffic and express courier services were amended to close loopholes exploited through small shipments and strengthen the traceability of these operations.
🇨🇴 In Colombia, a coordinated operation across six cities resulted in the arrest of one individual and the seizure of more than 574,000 units of illicit merchandise, along with cash.
🇬🇹 In Izabal, Guatemala, authorities intercepted counterfeit medicines, supplements, poultry feed, and clothing originating from Mexico and China, with an estimated value of USD 1.6 million.
🇩🇴 In the Dominican Republic, authorities seized 4.5 million Jaisalmer-brand cigarettes and 961 falsely declared televisions in an operation targeting customs fraud.
Illicit trade networks continue to adapt through fragmented shipments, digital channels, and operations in ports, border areas, and urban centers, while risks associated with counterfeit and adulterated medicines, cosmetics, alcoholic beverages, and food products continue to increase.
📊 CIMA's operational analysis for August recorded an estimated value of USD 18,338,085, while 48% of events had no estimated economic value.
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