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Nicaragua is the largest state in Central America, close in size to the state of New York. Of all of the Central American countries, Nicaragua seems to be richest with culture, religion, and music. Unfortunately, much of it’s’ beauty is masked by poverty that overpowers the countryside. Bordered by Honduras and Costa Rica, Nicaragua suffers through poverty and crime and is seen as a popular point for drug trafficking. Unlike nearby countries such as Guatemala, the Nicaraguan government does not experience political corruption. However, Nicaragua is affected by the corruption and crime from its’ surrounding countries.
According to the United States Department of State archives, Nicaragua’s crimes are similar to those of large American cities. The most common crimes consist of personal property crimes, namely burglary, robbery, and theft. In Nicaragua’s capital, Managua, street crimes and gang activity are on the rise due to influences of drug trafficking and its’ damaged infrastructure. Because Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, crime is often used as means to an end for many.
Nicaraguan National police (NNP) reports have shown that organized crimes are continuing to take place more often in urban areas of the country. It is believed that other surrounding, corrupt countries’ techniques are influencing the crime in Nicaragua. Well thought-out and organized methods such as using stolen cars and taxis with missing or false license plates and the implementation of larger groups of criminals operating together are becoming more common.
One of Nicaragua’s hot spots for crime is in Managua’s Zona Rosa area. This area tends to be frequented by prostitutes who have been known to pickpocket passerbies. Many of the prostitutes in the Zona Rosa area commonly use drugs and often carry weapons which causes the crime rate to rise in that particular area. In the Zona Hippos area, major hotels and upscale neighborhoods have been targeted over the last few months, according to the Department of State. Gang activity specifically targets American tourists upon arrival to Nicaragua. Gang members often pose as police officers in order to trap unsuspecting tourists and rob them of their belongings.
An example of a terrible crime that occurred in Nicaragua recently took place involving an American man who was wrongly imprisoned. He and his girlfriend, who was a native of the country, were living in San Juan del Sur when she was brutally raped and murdered. Eric Volz, her boyfriend, was accused of the murder of his girlfriend, Doris, and ultimately sentenced to jail in Nicaragua. The police wrongly assumed that because he was American, Eric Volz was responsible for the tragic crime. On December 21st, 2007, one year after being imprisoned, Eric Volz was released and let go of all charges. A four part Dateline Interview with Eric Volz describes the commotion and upset that this murder brought to the provincial town in Nicaragua and the upset that occurred following his trial.
The United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA) in Nicaragua advocates health, education, development, and family planning. The organization helps to fund the implementation of health equipment and services throughout the country. A blog written by Alex Marshall describes the high crime rate in Managua and the low number of actual police reports. According to his research, Marshall explains that violent crime is on the rise in Nicaragua because of its’ tumultuous history. The high levels of poverty and unemployment attribute to domestic violence in the area and the long tradition of machismo, or “male pride” triggers abuse among women.
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According to DisasterCenter.com, United States crime rates, including murder, rape, assault, and robbery have dropped a staggering 24% between 1991 and 2007. Nicaragua, luckily, has the lowest crime rate in all of Central America. 1990 marked the end of the famous "contra" forces that battled between borders.
In recent years, robberies and theft have been on the rise again in Nicaragua because of the level of poverty the country faces. Specific numbers and statistics are difficult to find, possibly because of how recent the crime trends have changed. Most data and research shows the positive sides of the Nicaraguan crime level, leaving out negative statistics. The U.S. Department of State website claims, "Violent crime in Managua is increasing and petty street crimes are very common. Gang activity also is increasing, though not at levels found in neighboring Central American countries. Violent criminal activities and petty crime are also increasing in the tourist destination of San Juan del Sur." Although they elude to the increase of crime, making a comparison between the United States crime rates and Nicaragua's proved to be a challenge.
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