Brazil's Federal Prisons Spend R$279 million annually on gang leaders

The Federal Penitentiary System (SPF) in Brazil incurred a total expenditure of R$279.3 million in 2025 to house inmates linked to criminal organizations. The average annual cost per detainee reached R$46,462.44, the highest level since the series began in 2020.

The system holds 461 prisoners identified with gangs, of which 159 serve as regional or national leaders. Brazil’s five maximum‑security federal prisons are located in Brasília (DF), Catanduvas (PR), Campo Grande (MS), Mossoró (RN) and Porto Velho (RO). All facilities separate inmates by faction to preserve safety, and officials report no homicides or rebellions triggered by inter‑faction conflicts.

Spending has risen steadily: from R$25,256.83 per inmate in 2020 to the 2025 figure, while total system costs grew from R$191.9 million in 2021 to R$279.3 million in 2025. The first two months of 2026 already accounted for R$51.9 million in expenses.