# Crime escalation in Santander, Colombia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/crime-escalation-in-santander-colombia
> Updated: 2026-08-24T13:56:27.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

Authorities in the Santander department of Colombia have reported a significant rise in violent crime. Data from the Fiscalía General de la Nación indicates that 175 homicides were recorded in the Bucaramanga metropolitan area—including Floridablanca, Girón, Piedecuesta, and Lebrija—between January 1 and August 4, 2026. This marks an increase of 38 murders compared to the same period in 2025.

Contract killings, or ‘sicariato’, are identified as the primary driver of this violence, accounting for 106 of the recorded deaths. Other contributing factors include brawls, which accounted for 49 cases. Officials suggest these crimes are linked to territorial disputes and illegal activities such as micro-trafficking, extortion, and money laundering. Bucaramanga remains the most affected municipality, recording 104 deaths.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-24: Santa Marta reports drop in homicides amid rise in cybercrime

While homicides and thefts decreased in Santa Marta during the first half of 2026, extortion, threats, and cybercrime have risen, sparking concerns over local security and institutional response.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santa-marta-reports-drop-in-homicides-amid-rise-in-cybercrime

### 2026-08-18: Santander homicide rates rise amid increase in contract killings

Homicides in Santander, Colombia, have risen to 175 in the Bucaramanga metropolitan area during the first eight months of 2026, with contract killings identified as the leading cause of death.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santander-homicide-rates-rise-amid-increase-in-contract-killings

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Cite as: Crime escalation in Santander, Colombia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/crime-escalation-in-santander-colombia