Cuiabá Mayor Abilio Brunini targets criminal factions and faces legal action

Cuiabá Mayor Abilio Brunini has announced a new municipal strategy to combat organized crime by formally classifying criminal factions operating in the city as 'narcoterrorist organizations.' The administration aims to target the economic infrastructure of these groups by canceling business licenses, inspecting public contracts, and revoking permits for establishments linked to money laundering.

Brunini stated that while the municipality will respect state security competencies, the city intends to use all available administrative and fiscal powers to 'break the economic arm' of these factions.

Separately, the Mayor is facing a civil lawsuit filed by the Association of Professors of the State University of Mato Grosso (Adunemat). The association is seeking R$ 100,000 in damages following Brunini's comments associating university students and professors with drug users. Brunini has attempted to clarify his remarks, claiming his criticisms were directed only at those who use drugs and support specific political parties, rather than being a generalized attack on the academic community.