Sustainable development is an essential condition that is sought to be achieved at the global level. The goals and initiatives of sustainable development were created by the United Nations and the goal is to achieve them by 2030. There are many obstacles on the way to achieving sustainable development, and some of them are analyzed in this thesis - poverty and criminal organizations. Poverty is a well-known obstacle to achieving sustainability, and in Latin America countries it is accompanied by numerous criminal activities such as drug trafficking, arms and human trafficking. Poverty is most often accompanied by lack of jobs, a low level of education and sensitivity to natural disasters that often affect Latin America countries. Many people are forced to participate in illegal activities in order to survive, creating a fertile ground for the growth of the influence of criminal organizations. The impact of criminal organizations and poverty on sustainable development is shown in selected Latin American countries, namely Mexico, Colombia and El Salvador. The mentioned countries are known for a large number of criminal acts that affect the increase in poverty, and a comparative analysis of the mentioned countries was made based on their situation. In order to put an end to such activities, it is important to create restriction strategies and the involvement of the governments and non-governmental organizations in the fight against criminal activities. It is also necessary to focus efforts on reducing poverty, strengthening the rule of law and promoting sustainable development as a basis for progress in Latin countries. Cooperation at the international level is of great importance in achieving the goals of sustainable development.