How armed groups in Colombia are using TikTok to recruit young people
Summary
Armed groups in Colombia are using TikTok videos to recruit young people by showing money, watches, and women, and promoting their causes. Investigators found these groups offer high monthly pay and accept minors, encouraging recruitment through direct messages.Key Facts
- Colombian armed groups post TikTok videos to attract young recruits.
- Posts show wealth and promote group values like "defense of the people."
- Groups include FARC dissidents, ELN, and the Clan del Golfo paramilitaries.
- Some groups offer as much as 12 million pesos (€2,900) monthly, about seven times Colombia’s minimum wage.
- Recruitment targets vulnerable youth not in school or jobs.
- Some recruited roles include lookout duties, coca leaf harvesting, and flying drones.
- Investigators contacted 33 accounts posing as a 17-year-old and six responded, some willing to accept minors.
- Recruiting minors for armed conflict is illegal in Colombia and punishable by up to 23 years in prison.
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