Narratives and criminal diversification of transnational multi-crime: the case of the Tren de Aragua on Tiktok

Abstract

The Tren de Aragua, a transnational criminal organisation originating in Venezuela, exemplifies the concept of multi-crime by diversifying its illicit activities, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking and illegal mining, adapting to diverse contexts in Latin America. This study analyses the narratives on transnational multi-crime on TikTok, taking the Tren de Aragua as a case study. Through web scraping techniques, discursive patterns are identified that reflect its operational structure and its perceived impact on the digital imaginary. The analysis is based on the framework of the Department against Transnational Organised Crime (DDOT) of the Organisation of American States (OAS), addressing dimensions such as money laundering, corruption and cybercrime. The hypothesis suggests that these narratives demonstrate the group’s ability to exploit institutional and socioeconomic vulnerabilities, amplifying its symbolic influence on digital platforms. The results allow us to identify patterns in their operations, proposing an interpretative model for understanding multi-crime in the region. In addition, analytical tools are sought to design effective public policies against organised crime. This approach highlights how digital narratives shape the perception of multi-crime in the contemporary public space.