EMPRA Releases a Report on the Rise of Los Zetas and the Implications for Mexican National Security

Online, July 20, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Emerging Markets Political Risk Analysis (EMPRA), today released a comprehensive report on the rise of Mexico's most dangerous criminal organization, Los Zetas, and the implications for national security, and security across the wider region, the United States and Central America.

The report discusses the organization's rapid expansion since its beginnings as an elite paramilitary unit serving Mexico's Gulf Cartel, its brutal tactics and increasingly destabilizing territorial focus.

EMPRA's Head of Research and author of the report, Alejandro Schtulmann, notes that Los Zetas have sought to establish a state of dual sovereignty with the nominal government in the states and municipalities where they operate. "This consists in the implementation of a mafia-like parallel authority that seeks a monopoly not only on criminal activity but also of public security... and with varying degrees of control over key positions in government and law enforcement."

Schtulmann notes that the organization's rapid expansion has led its ranks to move away from its original recruiting focus (i.e. ranking military deserters), and has actually driven the organization from the tactical discipline for which they'd grown notorious. This, in turn, has led to successive mistakes that have resulted in important recent setbacks for the organization.

Finally, the report outlines a series of scenarios, which consider the internal power struggles and divisions should the existing leadership be toppled or cut down by government operations. Despite recent important setbacks, in the short term Los Zetas seem poised to benefit from further weakening of La Familia, their chief rival in Mexico's mid-Pacific region.

Schtulmann concludes by stating that that the Mexican government should make the organization a priority target. He agues that Los Zetas are materially far more destabilizing than rival organizations such as the Sinaloa or Gulf cartels which operate in a more circumscribed sphere of activities and with far greater restraint toward civilians, law enforcement and public officials.

About EMPRA
EMPRA is a political risk advisory and consulting firm focusing primarily on Mexico. The firm delivers independent, cutting-edge analysis on political, policy, and security developments in Mexico and their impact on political stability and the business climate. Since its founding in early 2007, EMPRA has rapidly become a leading source of analysis in corporate and public circles. Clients include leading international companies, investment banks, foreign governments, law firms, and other specialized agencies following developments in Mexico.

Press Contact: For more information on the report or other security-related subjects, please contact EMPRA at [email protected] or call at +52 (55) 52 80 5856.

© 2011 Emerging Marketing Political Risk Analysis - EMPRA, S.C. All rights reserved.
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