One hundred and eighty-six gangs—with an estimated 1,750 members—are operating in Trinidad and Tobago, a June 2026 report prepared by the United Kingdom Home Office has said.The Country Policy and Information Note (CPIN), which examines gangs and organised crime in Trinidad and Tobago, states gangs were linked to 43.7% of murders in 2024 and about one-third of murders in 2025.The report was published earlier this month and is intended to provide country information for immigration and asylum decision-making by UK authorities.The report cited data showing 57% of the population was exposed to gang violence between January and September 2024.The figure was calculated using conflict data compiled by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) and includes people living within proximity of violent incidents.According to the report, gang activity is concentrated in Port of Spain and along the East-West Corridor, but criminal groups are present in communities across the country.Areas identified in the report include Laventille, Morvant, Sea Lots, Beetham, Tunapuna, Arima, Diego Martin, Chaguanas and San Fernando.The report states that most gang-related murders occur in population centres in northwestern Trinidad.It identified the Muslims and Rasta City gangs as the principal gang groupings in the country. Other gangs named in the report included Sixx, Seven, Resistance, Anybody Gets It (ABG), Tyson and Boombay Gang.The report states that many smaller gangs align themselves with larger groups, although law enforcement and regional security agencies have recorded an increase in splinter gangs and independent criminal networks in recent years.According to the report, gangs are involved in drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, contract killings, kidnappings, extortion, human trafficking, armed robbery, illegal quarrying, and fraud.The report also referenced the presence of Venezuelan criminal organisations, including Tren de Aragua and Evander, operating alongside local gangs.A section of the report dealing with recruitment stated that gangs target young people between the ages of 12 and 16.Recruitment has been reported in schools and within the prison system.The report noted that women were also members of gangs and may occupy leadership positions.Researchers cited in the document stated gangs maintain influence in some communities through financial support, dispute mediation, and access to employment opportunities. The report also referenced concerns about the awarding of State-funded contracts to individuals with gang connections.State of emergency ► sub-head ◄The report came after a state of emergency was declared in T&T on December 30, 2024.According to figures cited in the report, more than 4,000 people were arrested during the emergency period and approximately 1,600 were charged.The report stated that clashes between criminal groups and attacks on civilians fell by 44% during the first eight months of 2025 when compared with the corresponding period in 2024.National homicide figures also declined during the period.The report recorded a homicide rate of 45.7 per 100,000 population in 2024; and 27 per 100,000 population in 2025.Despite that decline, gangs continued to account for approximately one in every three murders recorded in 2025.The report also includes information on Tobago, where the number of gangs reportedly increased from three in 2009 to 28 in 2022.Witness intimidation,corruptionThe report noted some Trinidad and Tobago-based gangs have established links with criminal groups elsewhere in the Caribbean.The Home Office report concluded State institutions remain operational and capable of providing protection in many circumstances. However, it noted ongoing concerns related to witness intimidation, corruption, resource constraints and public confidence in law enforcement.Police officers, prison officers, prosecutors, judges and business owners were among the groups identified as potential targets for gang intimidation and violence.