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CIMA Newsletter / May 2026 Edition: Opacity Strategies and Transnational Networks: The Regional Landscape of Illicit Trade in May

CIMA NEWSLETTER: Monthly analysis of operational and strategic illicit trade events in Latin America, developed by the Center for Research, Monitoring, and Analysis of Illicit Trade (CIMA).
CIMA NEWSLETTER: Monthly analysis of operational and strategic illicit trade events in Latin America, developed by the Center for Research, Monitoring, and Analysis of Illicit Trade (CIMA).

🚨 CIMA REPORT: ORGANIZED CRIME AND ILLICIT TRADE IN MAY 2026 🚬📦


The Central for Research, Monitoring and Analysis of Illicit Trade (CIMA) identified an alarming increase in the sophistication and violence of smuggling networks across the region. This is no longer just about tax evasion—it is transnational organized crime.

The most significant findings:


  • CHILE | Violence and militarization: Authorities carried out the largest seizure of smuggled cigarettes in the country's history in Antofagasta (2.2 million packs). The shipment was escorted by traffickers carrying loaded Uzi submachine guns.


  • COLOMBIA | Corporate money laundering and warning signs: The Attorney General’s Office linked executives of Lili Pink to a money laundering scheme involving more than USD 12.7 million. In addition, illegal tobacco now accounts for 51% of mass-market consumption in Antioquia.


  • ARGENTINA | Border corruption: In Mendoza, authorities dismantled a family-run smuggling network that operated with the assistance of a member of the National Gendarmerie to evade border controls.


  • GUATEMALA | Multi-product smuggling operation: The Superintendence of Tax Administration (SAT) and law enforcement authorities intercepted large shipments of textiles, footwear, and Mexican alcoholic beverages, while also carrying out the court-ordered destruction of more than 75,000 counterfeit cosmetics and watches.


Smuggling has evolved: criminal organizations now combine cigarettes, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and other products within the same trafficking routes to maximize profits and facilitate money laundering.



At Strategos BIP, we provide access to CIMA’s strategic intelligence. If you would like to receive the report directly by email or request a tailored analysis, contact us at info@strategosbip.com.


👉 Read the report and anticipate the risks facing your business in 2026.



At Strategos BIP, we recognize the importance of these events in the fight against illicit trade. These reports are only a part of all the information that CIMA has available for you. For this reason, we put our intelligence and services at your disposal so we can work together to combat illicit trade. If you are interested in using them or would like to expand the services you already use, do not hesitate to reply to this email or contact us at info@strategosbip.com.


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