Reporting Beyond the Grave: Exposing Paraguay’s Deadly Nexus of Crime and Corruption

July 09, 2025 – Paraguay – 

In a groundbreaking collaborative investigation, Forbidden Stories and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) have resumed the work of murdered Paraguayan journalists to reveal a sprawling web of organized crime, corruption, and impunity that has taken root in Paraguay. Under the banner of the “Alianza” project, more than 50 journalists from 30 media outlets across 20 countries have come together to finish what those killed could not.

At the center of the investigation are three Paraguayan journalists — Pablo Medina, Edgar Pantaleón Fernández Fleitas, and Leo Veras — all of whom were assassinated after probing corruption and the entanglement of local officials with powerful criminal networks. Their deaths remain emblematic of a justice system marred by political interference, inadequate investigations, and a lack of accountability.

The journalists’ work uncovered how Paraguay has become a key hub for organized crime in South America. The country is a major route for drugs and weapons trafficking, and the porous border with Brazil has made it a hotspot for cross-border smuggling. The investigation reveals links between politicians, prosecutors, and major criminal actors, including how officials were bribed or intimidated to protect illegal operations.

One of the most damning revelations centers on how elements within the Paraguayan judiciary have been compromised by criminal interests. Reporters found that critical pieces of evidence — such as surveillance footage and witness testimony — were suppressed or ignored in the murder cases. In some instances, suspects were released under questionable circumstances, reinforcing a climate of impunity.

Through meticulous data analysis, leaked documents, and confidential sources, the Alianza investigation not only retraces the steps of the slain journalists but also brings new evidence to light. It calls for renewed public scrutiny and international pressure to reform Paraguay’s institutions and ensure justice for the victims.

Ultimately, this cross-border effort reclaims the voices of the silenced, proving that the truth cannot be buried—even when those who seek it are. The project stands as a testament to the enduring power of journalism and a demand that the killings of reporters not go unanswered.

Reference – 

https://www.occrp.org/en/news/investigations-of-murdered-paraguayan-journalists-live-on

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