Launch of the Triangles Strategy: A Comprehensive Approach to Combat Illegal Trade

By Mayora IP

On October 3, 2024, Guatemala City hosted the launch of the "Triangles Strategy," an initiative spearheaded by the Department Against Transnational Organized Crime of the Organization of American States (OAS DTOC). This program aims to prevent and combat illegal trade across Latin America and the Caribbean, with a particular focus on the Northern Triangle region, which includes Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. The event brought together representatives from various national and international public and private institutions to address the challenges and explore solutions in the fight against this pervasive issue.

The presentation was co-hosted by the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI) and OAS DTOC, featuring remarks from Ambassador Diego Paz, the OAS representative in Guatemala. Santiago Mayora, President of the AIPPI Regional Group for Central America and the Caribbean, and Joint Manager Partner of Mayora IP, opened the event, emphasizing the significance of the new strategy for the region.

The "Triangles Strategy" is built on a shared vision to comprehensively tackle illegal trade by enhancing institutional capacities, fostering intersectoral cooperation, and dismantling the criminal networks operating within the region. It focuses on four key areas of action: strengthening institutional capabilities; operating the Central Research, Monitoring, and Analysis of Illicit Trade (CIMA) to investigate and monitor illicit activities; facilitating local inter-institutional cooperation; and promoting strategic awareness and communication.

Juan Ruiz, an expert from CIMA, provided an insightful analysis of the current landscape of smuggling and counterfeiting in the region. His presentation highlighted the latest findings on the methods employed by criminal organizations involved in these illicit activities, offering critical information to guide decision-making and enhance collaboration among stakeholders in the fight against illegal trade. CIMA, as the largest database on illegal trade in Latin America, is integral to the "Triangles Strategy," supplying strategic insights essential for understanding and addressing the issue.

The initiative has garnered support from numerous international allies, including the OAS, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the European Union (through EUROPOL), the Formal Trade Defense Commission (CODECOF), and organizations such as AMERIPOL and INTERPOL. These strategic partnerships aim to bolster international cooperation and facilitate information exchange, enhancing the effectiveness of efforts against illegal trade.

The OAS DTOC, established in 2016, is dedicated to providing technical and legislative assistance to its Member States in addressing transnational organized crime in all its forms. This department is part of the Secretariat of Multidimensional Security and plays a crucial role in supporting Member States with compliance to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, the Hemispheric Action Plan Against Transnational Organized Crime, and the Chapultepec Consensus.

Furthermore, the DTOC serves as the Technical Secretariat for various political and specialized forums within the OAS and promotes cooperative projects among Member States to strengthen regional efforts against transnational organized crime through diverse action lines.