VZCZCXYZ0003
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHBU #0065/01 0211512
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 211512Z JAN 09
FM AMEMBASSY BUENOS AIRES
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 2887
INFO RUEHAC/AMEMBASSY ASUNCION 7065
RUEHBR/AMEMBASSY BRASILIA 6946
RUEHLP/AMEMBASSY LA PAZ JAN MONTEVIDEO 7239
RUEHSG/AMEMBASSY SANTIAGO 1262
RUEHRI/AMCONSUL RIO DE JANEIRO 2477
RUEHSO/AMCONSUL SAO PAULO 3861

UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 000065 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR DS/DSS, DS/IP/WHA, DS/IP/OPO, DS/DSS/TIA, 
DS/DSS/OSAC, DS/T/ATA 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ASEC AR CASC
SUBJECT: ARGENTINA: ANNUAL OVERSEAS SECURITY ADVISORY 
COUNCIL (OSAC) CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT 
 
REF: 08 SECSTATE 132056 
 
SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED - PROTECT ACCORDINGLY 
 
 
¶1.  (SBU) Overall Crime and Safety Situation. 
 
¶A. Crime Threat Levels. 
 
Crime is a serious problem in Argentina, but one that can be 
managed with common sense precautions.  Street crime has 
become common and increasingly more violent, and often is 
perpetrated with a firearm or other deadly weapon.  It is 
estimated that there are 540,000 unregistered weapons in 
Argentina (www.clarin.com).  The office within the government 
of Argentina that regulates firearms, Registro Nacional de 
Armas, stated that since the start of their 2007 "Money for 
Weapons" program a total of 104,782 weapons have been 
effectively seized (desarmevoluntario.gov.ar). 
 
Criminal activity is concentrated in urban areas, especially 
Greater Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Rosario, and Mendoza.  The 
wealthier parts of metro Buenos Aires experience high rates 
of property crime, with high-income neighborhoods often 
registering twice as many complaints as some of the poorer 
parts of town (this may be a result of better or more 
frequent reporting by influential citizens living in these 
areas). 
 
In the countryside, there have been a few robberies in 
isolated areas and occasional burglaries of hotel rooms in 
resort areas.  For the third consecutive year, Mendoza was 
the site of a robbery involving multiple victims.  Without 
harming the victims, the criminals stole $15,000 Arg pesos, 
jewelry, and electronic devices from individuals in a Mendoza 
hotel.  Highway robbery largely affects commercial vehicles 
and hijacking of inter-city buses is uncommon. 
 
A study titled "Mapa da Violencia: Os jovens da America 
Latina 2008" (Map of Violence: Young People in Latin America 
2008), by the Brazil-based Latin American Technological 
Network (RITLA), published in November 2008 by the Brazilian 
Federal Government, showed that the level of violence in 
Argentina is by no means the worst in Latin America. 
 
Using data from the World Health Organization for 2003 to 
2006, the study reports that there were 5.8 murders a year 
per 100,000 population in Argentina, slightly higher than the 
4.5 per 100,000 in Uruguay and 5.4 in Chile. 
 
Although homicides are down in Argentina, violent street 
crime in urban areas is increasing. Statistics are not 
available but urban crime includes: pick pocketing/purse 
snatching, scams, mugging, express kidnapping, residential 
burglary, home invasion, thefts from vehicles (smash and 
grab), sexual assaults/rape, car theft and carjacking. 
Short-term visitors to urban areas are subject to all types 
of street crime, but report few problems with public 
transportation or with four-and five-star hotels. 
 
Thieves specifically target expensive jewelry and watches, 
especially high-value items such as Rolexes. There have been 
several recent reports of stolen U.S. passports from American 
tourists visiting Buenos Aires.  Some of these were stolen in 
a violent manner -- to include at gunpoint.  Long-term 
residents are subject to the full range of criminal activity 
on the street while driving, traveling, and at home. 
 
Crimes involving children are also significant and on the 
rise in Argentina.  The following statistics are derived from 
a study made with judicial sources in Buenos Aires and was 
reported by the web news portal Infobae: "Los homicidios 
cometidos por menores de 16 anos se cuadriplicaron en un ano" 
(Homicides committed by minors under 16 years of age 
quadrupled in one year). 
 
- Index of crime committed by children under the age of 16 
years old increased almost 80% in 2008. 
 
- Index of homicide committed by children that are between 
the ages of 14 and 16 years old increased almost 47% between 
 
January and September 2008. 
 
- Index of theft committed by children between the ages of 14 
and 16 years old increased 20%. 
 
- Index of sexual abuses committed by children under the age 
of 16 years old increased almost 6%. 
 
- Index of resistance to authority committed by children 
under the age of 16 years old increased almost 113%. 
 
- Index of causes related to unlawful imprisonment committed 
by children under the age of 16 years old increased almost 
77%. 
 
Many criminals are armed and ready to use their weapons at 
the first sign of resistance.  Crimes occur at all hours and 
armed robberies often take place during business hours. 
Favorite targets for armed robberies are banks and businesses 
dealing in cash or high-value merchandise.  Apartment 
invasions and burglaries are common, and occasionally entire 
buildings are taken hostage. Criminals regularly employ 
target-of-opportunity tactics -- that is, they go through 
neighborhoods and apartment buildings ringing doorbells and 
robbing those who open the door. 
 
¶B. Road Safety. 
 
Traffic accidents are still the primary threat to life and 
limb in Argentina, especially in Buenos Aires. Pedestrians 
should be vigilant when crossing streets and remember to look 
in both directions, even if the street is designated one way. 
 
 
Traffic laws are not routinely obeyed and vehicles often 
travel at excessive speeds.  A recently published report in 
www.popularonline.com.ar states that there was a 1.25 percent 
increase in the year 2008 relating to traffic deaths 
throughout the country -- 8205 people died in vehicle 
accidents during the year as opposed to 8104 deaths in 2007. 
 
In the city of Buenos Aires, the number of fatalities 
increased by 9.4 percent during 2008 despite government 
efforts to strengthen road safety awareness. 
 
¶2.  (SBU) Political Violence. 
 
¶A. Historical Perspective. 
 
While the Government of Argentina (GOA) or its agents have 
not recently committed any politically motivated killings, 
there were reports that police were involved in killings 
involving unwarranted or excessive force. Authorities 
investigated and, in some cases, detained, prosecuted, and 
convicted the officers involved. 
 
Despite the negative perception of various USG policies, 
Argentines are relatively friendly to Americans, and visitors 
are unlikely to experience any anti-American sentiment. 
 
¶B. Terrorism. 
 
There is no known operational terrorist activity in 
Argentina, but international terrorists in 1992 destroyed the 
Israeli Embassy, killing 29 persons, and in 1994 destroyed 
the AMIA community center, killing 85 persons.  Care should 
be exercised when traveling in Brazil and Paraguay, near the 
Argentine border.  Organizations working out of the 
Paraguayan side of the frontier are involved in the 
trafficking of illicit goods and other illicit contraband, 
and some individuals in the area have been designated by the 
U.S. Treasury Department for financially supporting terrorist 
organizations. 
 
¶C. Civil Unrest. 
 
There are weekly demonstrations in Greater Buenos Aires and 
frequent demonstrations in other major cities.  Most protests 
are related to domestic economic and political issues 
including labor disputes.  U.S. interests are occasionally 
targeted based on current events, such as the recent 
 
expulsion of the U.S. Ambassador in Bolivia, U.S. military 
presence in the region, the Iraq War, or policy toward Cuba. 
The largest and most disruptive protests, ranging from dozens 
to thousands of participants, are usually sponsored by the 
"piqueteros" (a collection of "social activist" groups whose 
main tactic is to block roads). 
 
In Buenos Aires, demonstrations most commonly occur downtown 
and often end up at the Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, Congress, 
or the monument on 9 de Julio.  Protesters generally come 
from labor unions, unemployed/underemployed/landless 
movements, student groups, and the political left.  Whil 
most protests are peaceful, there are "hooligan" elements 
that periodically show up to fight the police and/or engage 
in vandalism.  Furthermore, the use of sound systems, 
fireworks, and musical instruments is a common occurrence as 
well as the burning of effigies and flags. 
 
Pipe bombs or incendiary attacks have been occasionally used 
during the more violent demonstrations.  Targets in recent 
years have included U.S. bank branches, municipal or public 
utility offices, McDonald's restaurants, and Blockbuster 
Video stores.  In July 2008 there was a violent clash between 
police and Quebracho protestors in downtown Buenos Aires near 
several commercial businesses.  Protestors threw stones at 
police who responded with tear gas and batons.  The 
altercation escalated when protestors threw Molotov cocktails 
at nearby vehicles and buildings. 
 
The police are generally restrained unless directly attacked. 
 In addition to the organized demonstrations, there are 
occasional, spontaneous protests by groups of displaced 
workers, unemployed persons, unpaid pensioners, people upset 
by electricity cuts, etc. 
 
¶3.  (SBU) Post Specific Concerns. 
 
¶A. Environmental. 
 
Argentina experiences occasional flooding along the coast, 
including parts of Buenos Aires, and in low-lying parts of 
the interior, such as Santa Fe Province. 
Western/northwestern provinces, such as Mendoza, Salta, 
Jujuy, and Tucuman periodically have earthquakes. 
 
¶B. Industrial and Transportation Accidents. 
 
Road conditions are good, but traffic is fast throughout the 
country and heavy in the big cities.  Drivers are very 
aggressive and oblivious to lane designations and many other 
traffic laws.  As addressed earlier, the accident rate is 
very high. 
 
¶C. Kidnappings. 
 
Express kidnapping (short duration/low ransom) continues 
along with conventional mugging.  Extortion kidnapping for 
ransom has so far only affected well-off Argentines.  The 
true rate of kidnapping is unknown, but believed to be 
considerably lower than in Brazil or Colombia.  Virtual 
kidnapping, a telephone scam in which the caller claims to 
have kidnapped someone who is simply not at home, continues 
to be a regular occurrence.  There are many variations of the 
virtual kidnapping scam.  One such variation, which appears 
to be on the rise, is the caller claims that a family member 
has been involved in a horrific accident and personal 
information is needed for on-scene medical authorities.  Once 
personal information is divulged, the caller becomes more 
aggressive and uses the newly acquired information to extort 
valuables.  Such calls often come from jails and the callers 
ask for prepaid phone cards, which are a form of money inside 
prisons. 
 
¶D. Drugs and Narcoterrorism. 
 
Argentina is considered a major transit country for drugs, 
primarily for cocaine going to Europe and marijuana going 
from Paraguay to Chile. As a result, consumer quantities of 
both these drugs remain in Buenos Aires for local 
consumption. Media reports cite the growing use of cocaine 
and other derivatives by middle-class youths. A highly 
 
addictive and popular form of cocaine termed "paco" (similar 
to crack cocaine) is also sold on the local market mostly to 
youthful poorer clientele. Colombian heroin trafficking is 
increasing as 5 to 10 kilogram quantities are regularly 
smuggled into Argentina from Bolivia in the Northern Border. 
 
¶4.  (U) Police Response. 
 
¶A. Handling of Police Detention or Harassment Incidents. 
 
Argentine law prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention, and 
the GOA generally observes these prohibitions; however, there 
are reports of the police arresting and detaining citizens 
arbitrarily on occasion. 
 
Expatriates can generally expect better police response and 
less harassment than in many other Latin American 
countries.  Individuals detained by the police should ask to 
contact the Embassy or consulate.  In Buenos Aires, the 
Tourist Police are very responsive and assist many tourists 
with language services to file police reports. 
 
Checkpoints are common, especially around Buenos Aires, and 
drivers must have all documentation, including passport or 
Argentine identification card, drivers license, vehicle 
registration and proof of third-party liability insurance. 
If a police officer asks for a bribe, immediately report this 
occurrence to the Embassy. 
 
¶B. Local Police Contact Information. 
 
- For all emergencies (Capital Federal and Buenos Aires 
Province): 911 
 
- Argentine Federal Police: 4383-1111/2-9; Av. Morneo 1550, 
Capital Federal 
 
- Prefectura (Coast Guard): 4318-7558 or 4318-7400; Av. 
Macacha Guemes 150, Capital Federal 
 
- Tourist Police: 4346-5748; Corrientes 436, Capital Federal 
 
- Bomberos (Fire Department): 100 or 4951-2222, 4381-2222, 
4383-2222; Av. Moreno 1550, Capital Federal 
 
¶5.  (U) Local Hospital and Clinic Contact Information. 
 
¶A. Capital Federal (City of Buenos Aires): 
 
- SAME (Municipal Emergency Medical Service): 107 or 
4923-1051/9 
 
- Hospital Fernandez: 4808-2600; Cervino 3356, Capital Federal 
 
- Hospital Aleman: 4821-1700; Pueyrredon 1640, Capital Federal 
 
- Sanatorio Trinidad: 4127-5555; Cervino 4720, Capital Federal 
 
¶B. Buenos Aires Province (San Isidro, suburbs): 
 
- San Isidro: 4512-3700; JJ Diaz 818, San Isidro 
 
- San Lucas: 4732-8888; Belgrano 369, San Isidro 
 
- Sanatorio Trinidad: 4793-6766; Fleming 590, San Isidro 
 
¶6.  (U) Travel Precautions. 
 
¶A. Theft of Valuables. 
 
- Carry Cash: $100-$200 USD or $300-$400 Arg pesos. 
Criminals in Argentina frequently resort to violence if they 
perceive a victim is being uncooperative or if the target 
does not have anything worth stealing. The people most likely 
to be attacked or beaten are those without any money.  If 
confronted, offer no resistance and immediately hand over 
everything demanded. 
 
- Do not wear Rolexes, or other flashy or expensive jewelry 
that draws attention.  Women should safeguard their purses 
while walking and when eating in restaurants or cafes. 
 
 
- Criminals are often well-dressed and crime can occur 
anytime during the day at any location. Use common sense and 
remain vigilant.  Travel in groups when possible. Always stay 
in well lit, populated areas and avoid parks after dark. 
 
- Be alert to pickpocketing in tourist and shopping areas. Do 
not flash large amounts of cash, or carry expensive-looking 
bags, briefcases, or laptop cases in public. 
 
- Do not carry all of your important documents in your wallet 
or purse.  Carry a photocopy of your passport. 
 
- Use ATM machines located in public places like the hotel, 
shopping mall, or event venue.  If the booth has a door, make 
sure it closes behind you. 
 
- If you are in a restaurant or other business that gets 
robbed, follow the instructions of the robbers and hand over 
valuables on demand. 
 
- MUSTARD ON THE BACK SCAM: Unknown to you, a liquid is 
squirted on your back.  After a few steps, someone, often a 
middle-aged woman, will inform you that you have something on 
your back and offer to help clean it off.  Meanwhile, she or 
an accomplice picks your pockets.  This scam has been used 
regularly in tourist areas such as San Telmo, La Boca, 9 de 
Julio, Recoleta, and Florida Street.  Fortunately, this is 
one of the least confrontational crimes; just say "NO" and 
walk away. 
 
- Pay with exact change as much as possible.  If you pay for 
a small item with a large bill, you risk being shortchanged 
or getting counterfeit in change.  Only take pesos as change. 
 
- Use credit cards only at the hotel and major stores and 
restaurants.  Watch your bills carefully for fraudulent 
charges. 
 
¶B. Forms of Transportation. 
 
- Remises (hired car and driver) are the best and safest form 
of public transportation.  They normally charge by the 
kilometer and are reasonably priced.  Hotels, many 
restaurants, and shopping centers can call one from an 
established service. 
 
- Radio taxis are the next best choice.  Taxis are black and 
yellow in the Capital, and white with blue lettering in the 
Provinces. 
 
- Avoid black and yellow taxis with the word "Mandataria" on 
the door.  These taxis are rented on a daily or hourly basis 
and are often involved in criminal acts. 
 
- Do not take rides offered by people on the street or 
outside an airport. 
 
- The following is in order of preference is recommended:  a) 
Call for a remise or taxi, b) take one from an established 
stand, c) hail one on the street (but not in front of a bank). 
 
- Use the seatbelts, lock the doors, and keep windows up.  Do 
not place your purse or other valuables on the seats, in 
plain view from the outside or unattended. 
 
- Subways, buses, and trains are safe but watch out for 
pickpockets and be ready for work stoppages. 
 
- Watch your bags at airports, bus, and ship terminals. 
 
¶7.  (U) Embassy Contact Information. 
 
Buenos Aires OSAC formally meets every quarter.  The 
Washington, D.C. based OSAC Regional Coordinator for WHA or 
the Regional Security Office at American Embassy Buenos Aires 
can provide more information. 
 
- American Embassy: 54-11-5777-4533; Av Colombia 4300, 
Capital Federal 
 
- Regional Security Office: 54-11-5777-4298; Av Colombia 
4300, Capital Federal 
 
- Marine Post One (24-hours): 54-115777-4873; Av Colombia 
4300, Capital Federal 
 
¶8.  (U) The points of contact are RSO Scott Campbell at 
54-11-5777-4535 and A/RSO Jesse Thomas at 54-11-5777-4337. 
WAYNE