Criminal Gangs Surge in Brazilian Amazon, Threatening Rainforest
Criminal gangs have significantly expanded their operations in the Brazilian Amazon, now active in nearly half of the region’s municipalities. According to a report released by the Brazilian Forum on Public Safety, these groups are operating in 344 out of 772 municipalities, representing approximately 45% of the region. This marks a dramatic increase of 32% from last year’s report, when gangs were present in 260 municipalities, and more than double the figure from two years ago.
The report highlights that the growth of organized crime is contributing to escalating violence and jeopardizing the preservation of the Amazon rainforest, recognized as the world’s largest tropical rainforest. The surge in gang activity coincides with the ongoing UN climate talks in the region, drawing further scrutiny on the implications of crime on environmental issues.
Violence and Gang Activity on the Rise
The report indicates that the Red Command, a notorious drug trafficking organization, has more than doubled its presence since 2023. This group was notably involved in a tragic police operation in Rio de Janeiro on October 28, 2023, which resulted in 121 fatalities, sparking nationwide discussions about organized crime in Brazil. In response to the growing threat, Brazil’s lower house of Congress recently approved a bill aimed at increasing penalties for gang-related crimes.
David Marques, one of the authors of the report, stated, “These crime groups are seeking to diversify and maximize their illegal activities.” He noted the rise in extortion and environmental crimes, including illegal logging and mining, as part of this trend. The report reveals that the Amazon region experienced 8,047 homicides in 2024, corresponding to a homicide rate of 27.3 per 100,000 inhabitants, which is 31% higher than the national average.
In addition to the Red Command, the First Capital Command and approximately 17 other criminal gangs are operating in the Amazon. These groups, including Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, are involved in various illicit activities, with the Red Command managing river routes in collaboration with Peruvian and Colombian cartels. Drugs are transported to key ports such as Manaus, Santarem, Barcarena, Macapa, and Belem, the latter being the host city for COP30.
Legislative Response and Challenges Ahead
The recent legislative measures aim to address organized crime by increasing the severity of penalties for gang membership. For instance, the proposed changes would elevate the recommended sentence for intentional homicide from a range of 6 to 20 years to a new range of 20 to 40 years. Additionally, the bill would empower authorities to seize assets prior to a final judgment and require gang leaders to serve their sentences in maximum-security federal prisons.
Despite these developments, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed concerns on social media platform X, indicating that the legislation has been weakened due to proposed budget cuts impacting federal police operations. The bill is currently set to proceed to the Senate, where modifications are anticipated. Nonetheless, there is an expectation that some version of the bill will ultimately pass, as crime has emerged as a critical issue for voters in Brazil.
The ongoing expansion of criminal gangs in the Brazilian Amazon presents a complex challenge that intertwines issues of law enforcement, environmental preservation, and public safety. As these gangs continue to assert their influence, the implications for both local communities and broader environmental efforts remain profound.
