Portugal and Brazil Team Up to Tackle Organized Crime: A Closer Look at New Agreements

Portugal and Brazil Unite Against Organized Crime

The arrival of Brazilian criminal organizations, such as the First Command of the Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho (CV), in Portugal has raised alarms among authorities. To combat this rising threat, the governments of Portugal and Brazil are set to sign two significant cooperation agreements during the XIV Luso-Brazilian Summit in Brasília on February 19.

Key Agreements

The first agreement will allow police forces from both countries to access information regarding criminal backgrounds of individuals under investigation. The second agreement focuses on the exchange of information about transnational crime, which includes identifying suspects and providing police support and training.

According to João Massano, President of the Regional Council of Lisbon for the Portuguese Bar Association, these agreements are crucial in addressing the challenges posed by cross-border crime. He emphasizes that the high number of Brazilians in Portugal complicates investigations and that access to criminal records will be invaluable in solving crimes.

However, Massano warns of potential implementation challenges, citing logistical issues and the current strain on the Portuguese judicial system, including public sector strikes and staffing shortages.

Months of Preparation

These agreements have been in the works for months. In July, Brazilian Minister of Justice and Public Security, Ricardo Lewandowski, met with Portuguese officials to discuss the presence of PCC members in Portugal, acknowledging that the shared language may facilitate the establishment of these criminal organizations.

There is currently limited information regarding the number of PCC affiliates in Portugal, but reports suggest there could be over 100 operatives. The increase in scrutiny of imports at Spanish ports has shifted the focus to Portuguese ports, making them a viable entry point for cocaine from South America.

Criminal Links to Football

Concerns have also arisen regarding the use of Portuguese football clubs for money laundering by the PCC. Reports indicate that the PCC attempted to acquire shares in clubs such as Varzim and Felgueiras, drawing parallels to their operations in Brazil. Notably, the Cruzeiro football club has been implicated in laundering 3 million BRL (approximately 500,000 EUR) in player transactions linked to the PCC.

As of now, there is only one individual in Portugal connected to the PCC, Rúben Oliveira, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for international drug trafficking. The Judicial Police of Portugal have not disclosed further information on the PCC's operations, citing the ongoing investigation.