Brazil Justice Minister launches R$11 bn anti‑organized‑crime program, Rio a priority

Justice Minister Wellington César Lima e Silva unveiled the federal initiative “Brasil Contra o Crime Organizado” at the “Diálogos sobre Segurança Pública” seminar in Rio de Janeiro. The plan allocates R$11 billion for coordinated actions against criminal factions nationwide, with Rio singled out as a strategic priority because of its high levels of organized‑crime activity.

The program is organized around four pillars: cutting off the financial resources of gangs, establishing maximum‑security standards in prisons, raising homicide‑case clearance rates, and combating illegal arms trafficking. It includes upgrading security in 138 penitentiaries with technology to block illicit communications and providing training for prison staff, aiming to bring state facilities closer to the stricter federal model. The minister will meet acting governor Ricardo Couto to discuss joint measures, and noted that earlier community‑occupation policies have stalled and are under review by the Supreme Court. The government expects the initiative to strengthen investigations and curb the influence of criminal factions across the country.