Abstract

ISAZA QUEBRADA, Jorge; PAEZ MURILLO, Carlos Augusto; ROJAS-GUEVARA, Jorge Ulises  and  VILLAIZON CASTRO, Erika. Illicit mineral trade: criminal ecosystems in the Colombian-Venezuelan Amazon. Rev. Cient. Gen. José María Córdova [online]. 2025, vol.23, n.51, pp.706-730.  Epub July 01, 2025. ISSN 1900-6586.  https://doi.org/10.21830/19006586.1511.

This article presents a case study of the illicit mineral trade in the Colombian-Venezuelan Amazon, in relation to the strategies of the current Security, Defense, and Citizen Coexistence Policy (2022- 2026). This research characterizes the functioning, the capacity for crime to mutate, and the mobility of crime in the Colombian-Venezuelan Amazon. The theory of criminal ecosystems has been applied to areas including cross-border, urban, and rural security. A documentary and contextual analysis were conducted, along with expert collaboration and a survey. The results indicate inter-force inoperability, the lack of comprehensive citizen security, coexistence, and justice plans, as well as a political disconnect with Venezuela. In conclusion, changes in security and defense policy are a priority to address these criminal ecosystems, especially those associated with corruption, fuel smuggling, tax crimes, and money laundering.

Keywords : Amazon; crime; criminal economies; illegal mining; illicit trade.

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