In regions of the globe controlled by organized crime, the gangsters are doing things like enforcing social distancing and making people wear hand sanitizer, the New York Post reports.
International Organized Crime and COVID-19 Response
“Violent groups often take actions to gain legitimacy in order to gain support from civilians living under their rule as well as potential supporters abroad,” University of Maryland political scientist Jori Breslawski wrote.

“A weak pandemic response from a formal government creates an opportunity for the violent group to earn legitimacy in the eyes of the public,” University of Maryland political scientist Jori Breslawski wrote in The Conversation . “Violent groups often take actions to gain legitimacy in order to gain support from civilians living under their rule as well as potential supporters abroad.”
They may have another, simpler motive, too — keeping their own families safe from the deadly contagion, Breslawski said.
This is how key groups have responded:
Mexican Drug Cartels—The sons of notorious drug kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman have been threatening those who break Mexico’s lockdown with beatings, the Yucatan Times reported this week.
Iván Archivaldo Guzmán, 36, and Jesús Alfredo Guzmán, 37 – known as “Los Chapitos, or “Little Chapos” — have heavily armed henchmen roaming the streets of the state capital of Sinaloa to enforce a curfew, the paper says.
Italian Mafia—The Mafia has been exploiting Italy’s devastating outbreak to prove it still runs the show — by hiring the newly unemployed workers as foot soldiers, crime experts say .
La Cosa Nostra is also stepping in with its hefty cash supplies to support companies facing bankruptcy, in exchange for part ownership.
Mafioso soldiers have also been handing out food parcels to win over the needy, the BBC said .
MS-13—The gang is enforcing curfews in areas of El Salvador where police often fear to go.
MS-13 leaders also admitted to the San Salvador newspaper El Faro that they were the only ones who could protect their own members — knowing they would not be helped by authorities if they fall sick.
More Patrol

Dashcam Video Shows Officers Rescue Man from Burning Car
Dashcam video released by a New Jersey police department shows two of its officers rescuing an unconscious man from a burning car after a crash.
Read More →
Aimpoint COA optic + A-CUT Named Red Dot of the Year
The Aimpoint COA optic + A-CUT system has been named Red Dot of the Year by Guns & Ammo magazine. The new optic system was introduced in January 2025.
Read More →From the Show Floor: Axon
Join POLICE as we visit with Abi Stock, of Axon, to learn about the company’s latest technology offerings, such as Axon Assistant, Form One, and the DFR integration with Skydio.
Read More →
Back Face Deformation, Brain Injury and Ballistic Helmets – Why the “Dent Doesn’t Matter” Claim Ignores Science
Alex Poythress, co-founder and CEO of Ballistic Armor Co., explains why ballistic helmet buyers should insist on full test data, including BFD measurements, standoff distance, and padding configuration, rather than rely solely on penetration ratings.
Read More →
Streamlight Marks 15 Years of Support for Breast Cancer Research Foundation With $20k Donation
In its 15th year of supporting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Streamlight donated $20,000 to help in the fight against cancer. Donations were generated through the sale of special Wedge XT models and other pink flashlights.
Read More →
Police-Led Mental Health Charity Expands to Include Veterans
Talk To Me Post Tour (TTMPT), a non-profit organization that has been providing peer-support programs and professional psychological support for first responders, is now expanding services to military veterans.
Read More →
WakeMed Campus Police Officer Killed in Hospital Shooting
A WakeMed Campus Police Officer died after being shot in the lobby of the emergency department at a North Carolina hospital over the weekend.
Read More →
Video Shows Barricaded Suspect Fall Through Ceiling and Into SWAT Custody
Deputies in Indian River County, Florida, apprehended a suspect after he fell through the ceiling with SWAT members waiting below. The sheriff’s department released video of the apprehension.
Read More →From the Show Floor: T2 Systems
Learn about T2 Systems and its electronic parking enforcement solutions. Retired Chief John Holland outlines the benefits of using such a system to manage parking enforcement.
Read More →
Texas Police Department Adds Reconview Tower
A Texas police chief shares how the Decatur Police Department will use its new Reconview observation tower.
Read More →
