Organized Crime in the Prisons: Extorsion from the Penitentiaries in El Salvador (2008-2009)

Abstract

Thisis an exploration of the crime of extortion in El Salvador, and the manner inwhich these illicit activities are planned, directed, and negotiated byorganized criminal groups from inside the different penitentiary facilitiesaround the country, and carried out through their networks. An in-depth studyof the literature, matched with empirical research brings to this paper ananalysis of the criminogenic conditions of a political, governmental, cultural-social,and economic nature, that come together in El Salvador to generate criminalorganizations operating from inside the correctional facilities, dedicated toextortion at the national and trans-national levels. The conclusion is that thestructures of organized crime inside the penitentiary centers are a threat tothe safety of the State. Illegal activities by these organizations underminethe State’s ability to provide services, protect individuals, and maintain thecitizens’ confidence in the government and the democratic system.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/rpsp.v3i1.1333