Recent research has uncovered some startling information about Mexican cartels and their growing power in the country. Using a detailed mathematical model, researchers looked at data on homicides, missing people, and incarcerations to track how these cartels are recruiting new members.
Cartels as Major Employers
According to the findings, Mexican cartels have become one of the largest employers in Mexico, now ranking as the fifth-largest. Astonishingly, around 175,000 people are believed to be working for about 150 different cartel groups. This rapid growth raises significant challenges for analysts and government officials trying to understand the influence and violence that cartels bring to the country.
High Turnover, Continuous Growth
Over the past decade, cartels have faced massive losses, with 37% of known cartel members either killed or locked up. Despite these high casualty rates, the cartels are still expanding. The researchers estimate that cartels must recruit nearly 20,000 new members each year to maintain their ranks. This suggests that they have a robust recruitment strategy in place, even in the face of such devastating losses.
Understanding Cartel Membership
The study also provides insight into the major cartels, such as the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels, which employ over 44,800 individuals each. The researchers found similar numbers, estimating around 46,000 for these two groups alone. However, these figures might not capture the complete picture, as they only count those involved in violent activities. Many others, like bankers who help with money laundering, are not included, raising questions about how we define cartel membership.
The Complexity of Cartel Influence
Victoria Dittmar, a researcher at Insight Crime, highlights the confusion surrounding who should be considered a cartel member. For instance, should politicians who take illicit funds or someone who works with a cartel just once be classified as part of the organization? This ambiguity complicates the understanding of cartel dynamics.
A Shift in Strategy Needed
Experts argue that instead of focusing solely on arrests and law enforcement, it’s crucial to address the recruitment issue directly. By understanding and combating how cartels attract new members, officials can take significant steps toward reducing cartel influence and violence in Mexico.
This study, published in the Science journal, sheds light on the challenges posed by cartels and the importance of tackling the root causes of their power. The findings are not just numbers; they tell a deeper story about the struggle for safety and stability in Mexico.
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