Brazil’s Lula launches $2 billion anti-organized crime project ahead of elections

Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced a $2 billion anti-organized crime program on Tuesday, allocating 11 billion reais to strengthen public security ahead of October’s elections. The initiative focuses on combating arms trafficking, disrupting criminal finances, improving homicide investigations, and upgrading the prison system. About 1 billion reais will be deployed by December, funding drones, body scanners, and DNA tracking equipment to target gangs like the First Command of the Capital (PCC) and the Red Command (CV). Lula discussed the plan with U.S. President Donald Trump during his recent Washington visit, highlighting Brazil’s proposals on financial asphyxiation of crime gangs and fighting money laundering. He noted that some weapons used in Brazil originate in the U.S. and called for cooperation while emphasizing Brazil’s sovereignty over security decisions. Allies in Congress reported resistance from opposition governors, who control local police forces, while critics like Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro and former Gov. Ronaldo Caiado have long advocated for stricter crime policies. Vice President Geraldo Alckmin countered former President Jair Bolsonaro’s administration, accusing it of enabling organized crime by loosening gun laws. The program’s launch follows months of political tension, with Lula’s Workers’ Party facing accusations of being soft on crime. Opposition figures have used Bolsonaro’s son as their presidential candidate, framing security as a key election issue. Lula’s initiative aims to address these concerns through targeted investments and international collaboration.