Brazil and Paraguay Unite to Combat International Financial Crimes
A New Era in Regional Cooperation Against Transnational Organized Crime
In a significant move aimed at tackling transnational organized crime, Brazil’s Minister of Justice and Public Security Anderson Torres signed an agreement with his Paraguayan counterpart in Asunción, capital of Paraguay. This pact is part of the Brazilian government’s initiative, dubbed the ‘Strategic Alliance against Transnational Organized Crime’, which seeks to bring together law enforcement agencies from Southern Cone countries to intensify efforts against organized crime.
The Importance of Regional Collaboration
According to Paraguayan Minister of Interior Federico González, “This alliance represents a significant strengthening of our cooperation in matters of security and the fight against organized crime.” The two countries have been at the forefront of battling the spread of Brazil’s notorious Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) prison gang, which has reportedly expanded its operations to cocaine-producing countries in Bolivia and infiltrated prison systems across the region.
Regional Security Threats
The PCC’s international expansion is a major concern for law enforcement agencies, as it threatens to destabilize regional security. The Southern Cone’s Tri-Border Area, where Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay meet, has become an international hub for smuggling, trafficking in drugs and arms, as well as money laundering.
Previous Successes
The agreement builds on previous successes between Brazil and Paraguay, including:
- Safety Border: a bilateral police operation that led to the arrest of PCC gang leaders operating out of Pedro Juan Caballero and Ponta Porã.
- Operation New Alliance: destroying nearly 12,000 tonnes of marijuana in recent years.
- Asset Seizure: seizing nearly US$50 million in assets from smugglers and drug traffickers operating near the Brazilian-Paraguayan border.
A Significant Step Forward
The signing of this agreement marks a significant step forward in regional cooperation against transnational organized crime, highlighting the commitment of Brazil and Paraguay to tackling this complex issue together.