This visualization is a comprehensive attempt to map the presence of armed groups throughout the Amazon. Here, the most significant armed groups and criminal organizations are individually identified and represented, while smaller criminal outfits are grouped under the category ‘others’. As we continue our research, we expect to identify trends over time and expand our research capacity.

To gather information about the presence of organized crime structures and armed groups throughout the Amazon, throughout 2025, we conducted interviews with primary sources in the territory, researched documents from state agencies and civil society groups, and filed petitions for information. The interviewees mainly consist of people who have direct contact with armed actors and illicit economies. This diverse group includes Indigenous leaders, community members, church leaders, law enforcement officials, intelligence personnel, public prosecutors, local businesspeople, gang members and individuals involved in illicit economies.

Our researchers used different methodologies depending on the country and access. Nonetheless, a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods was used for all countries.