Part 9/12:
The consequences are devastating: pipeline tapping in underserved communities leads to explosions, environmental contamination, and violence—including murders, kidnappings, and extortion. The reach of corruption extends into Mexico’s navy and government agencies, making enforcement even more challenging.
The Scale and Risks of Crude Oil Smuggling
The magnitude of the cartel’s enterprise is staggering. Historically a side hustle, crude oil theft has now become a primary revenue source comparable to or exceeding drug trafficking in some regions. The scale can be likened to conflicts in places like Iraq, where resource plunder fuels organized violence.