SOC ACE funded research on extortion in Medellín featured in Colombia’s national news
Early findings from SOC ACE funded Medellín demonstration project led by Professors Christopher Blattman and Santiago Tobón was picked up by local and national news in Colombia.
The extent of extortion in Medellín’s neighbourhoods was a key measure in a city-wide survey conducted as part of the project to understand how the gangs operate, their revenues, and their sources of revenue. Extortion, a key source of revenue for the gangs, believed by researchers to be their second-largest revenue source, is largely underreported.
Initial findings from the survey indicate a concerning reality: nearly 150,000 households and businesses in Medellín find themselves obligated to pay extortion fees. El Colombiano, a prominent newspaper in the Antioquia region and nationally, brought attention to this issue based on the survey data. In a similar vein, Teleantioquia Noticias also covered the report and invited Professor Tobón for further discussion.
The interview explored the challenges influencing Colombia's future, particularly the normalisation of extortion in the city. Over the past decade, Universidad EAFIT and the University of Chicago have examined criminal structures in Medellín, revealing drug sales and extortion as primary revenue sources for gangs. Extortion significantly disrupts daily life in Medellín, with gangs levying fees on various activities, from essential services to routine tasks such as utility connections or home repairs.
Of significant concern is the youth's perception of extortion as commonplace. Surrounded by these illicit activities, many young individuals view extortion as a regular aspect of life, raising worries about its long-term impact on societal values and stability. Professor Tobón highlighted a troubling trend: while forced recruitment persists, numerous young men now willingly join gangs, drawn by aspirations of status and belonging.
In his interview, Professor Tobón acknowledges the challenge of completely removing gangs, given their longstanding presence. Merely imprisoning gang members proves insufficient, as jails often become recruitment centres, with non-affiliated prisoners also at risk or being recruited. Furthermore, gangs continue their extortion operations from behind bars, presenting a challenge for authorities and prison staff to contain.
City authorities, including council members and the mayor, have shown interest in addressing the issue. Professor Tobón emphasised to the mayor the underreported nature of extortion, highlighting that merely increasing complaints won't suffice. He advocates for a strategy focused on gradually reducing the size of these criminal organisations by (1) reducing their income through tackling drug consumption and extortion and (2) redirecting youth aspirations away from the allure of gang life.
Further reports from this project will be shared on the SOC ACE project page: Developing government information and accountability systems for combating serious organized crime: Medellín demonstration project.