Latin America continues to grapple with high levels of cargo theft, a persistent and evolving challenge that inflicts billions of dollars in economic losses annually and disrupts supply chains across the region. While 2022 and 2023 saw concerningly high activity, trends in 2024 and 2025, along with projections for 2026, suggest a complex landscape where criminal tactics are becoming increasingly sophisticated, even as authorities and private entities bolster their security measures.
Regions like Central Mexico and key Brazilian states remain significant hotspots, consistently reporting high volumes of incidents. However, the threat extends across the continent, with countries like Chile and Argentina also experiencing notable cargo crime.
The economic repercussions are substantial, leading to increased insurance premiums, greater investment in private security, and ultimately, higher costs for consumers. Estimates from 2023 indicated direct annual losses in the region could be around $5.5 billion.
Evolving Tactics and Targeted Goods
Between 2022 and early 2024, the modus operandi of cargo thieves has shown both consistency and alarming evolution. Hijackings, often characterized by violence and the use of automatic weapons, particularly in Mexico, remain a dominant tactic.
Criminal groups employ sophisticated methods, including fake checkpoints, identity substitution, and leveraging corruption and collusion within supply chains.
A concerning trend is the rise of “strategic theft,” which involves more intricate planning, deception, and fraud. This includes the use of technology, with criminals increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence to manipulate bills of lading, create phishing emails, and orchestrate remote operations, showcasing a deepening understanding of supply chain vulnerabilities.
The most frequently targeted goods are chosen for their value and potential for resale in unauthorized markets. These typically include:
- Food and Beverages: Often the most frequently stolen items due to high demand and ease of resale.
- Electronics: High value items that are relatively easy to transport and sell.
- Automotive Parts and Vehicles: A persistent target, especially in manufacturing hubs like Mexico.
- Fuel: A valuable commodity with a ready black market.
- Pharmaceuticals, Agricultural Products, and Construction Materials: Also frequently reported stolen, indicating diverse targeting by criminal organizations.
The majority of thefts occur while goods are in transit, with trucks being the primary targets. However, theft from facilities and warehouses also remains a significant concern.
Country Focus and Regional Challenges
Mexico has consistently been a focal point for cargo theft. States in Central Mexico—vital logistics corridors—report the highest number of incidents. While some data indicated slight decreases in theft in certain periods, the overall numbers remain alarmingly high, with reports of cargo robbery occurring with shocking frequency. For instance, in early 2025, reports indicated a cargo robbery occurred every thirty-three minutes on Mexican highways, with a significant year-over-year increase in incidents in the first two months.
Brazil also accounts for a substantial percentage of cargo theft in Latin America. Armed robberies and hijackings are common, but there, too, criminals are adopting more sophisticated methods.
Across the region, vast and varied geography, poor road conditions in some areas, limited secure parking, and insufficient lighting exacerbate the challenge of securing cargo routes. Furthermore, a lack of coordination among law enforcement agencies, gaps in cross-border communication, and corruption within judicial systems hinder effective responses.
The Outlook for 2025-2026
Projecting precise cargo theft statistics for late 2025 and 2026 is challenging, as data is typically compiled retrospectively. However, based on trends observed between 2022 and early 2025, two key expectations can be outlined:
1. The trend toward more strategic and technologically advanced theft methods is likely to continue. Criminal organizations will further exploit digital vulnerabilities and potentially increase their use of AI and cybercrime tactics.
2. Regional economic conditions, including a tariff war, inflation, and poverty, can influence the prevalence and types of goods targeted, with essential items remaining attractive.
Supply Chain Protection Global Best Practices
Statistics from 2022 to 2024 show that businesses investing in security technologies such as GPS tracking, electronic locks, real-time monitoring, and secure logistics platforms have experienced a 24 percent decrease in the likelihood of being targeted. Additionally, the use of AI for risk management and threat detection is expected to increase, enhancing supply chain security globally.
Collaborating with private security organizations and government institutions that can introduce or enhance legislation targeting cargo theft and enforcement remains important. The success of these measures depends on ongoing commitment and sufficient resources.
ISCPO Extends to Latin America
To navigate today’s complex world, use reliable, global information to make informed decisions and protect your supply chain.
Established in 2014, ISCPO is a nonprofit association uniting security-minded professionals within the global supply chain space for information sharing and networking. Our members include key sectors such as retail, wholesale, e-commerce, manufacturing, distribution, logistics, insurance, risk management, and law enforcement. The ISCPO acknowledges the importance of solution providers in supply chain security, allowing interaction with top industry providers.
Accessing industry best practices is vital for planning 2026 security services amid tight budgets. Although Latin America’s situation remains uncertain, having the right information and protection strategies is essential to safeguard your supply chain and ensure business continuity.
López Zepeda is a highly experienced security professional with over fifteen years of international experience in various sectors, including oil and gas, mining, and real estate. He specializes in crisis management, corporate security, and risk management, with a focus on assessing and mitigating threats in a globalized environment. Currently, he serves as the global corporate security director for Bocar Group, where he oversees the development and implementation of a robust global security strategy, prioritizing supply chain security and business continuity. Previously, he held leadership roles at Kroll, WeWork, and Control Risks Mexico, where he managed executive protection teams, developed security programs for expatriates, and conducted risk assessments and training across Latin America. Earlier in his career, he gained valuable experience in project management and risk management on large-scale infrastructure projects in Mexico.