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Brazil's Gangs Earn $27 Billion Amid Deadly Police Clash

11/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A 2025 study by the Brazilian Forum on Public Security found the Red Command and Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) generated 146.8 billion reais ($27 billion) in 2022 from illegal activities.
Despite efforts to isolate gang leaders in prisons, communication persists and undermines state control.
On October 28, a Rio de Janeiro police operation against these gangs left at least 121 dead, including 117 suspected criminals.

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Story summary

A 2025 study by the Brazilian Forum on Public Security found the Red Command and Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) generated 146.8 billion reais ($27 billion) in 2022 from illegal activities.
Despite efforts to isolate gang leaders in prisons, communication persists and undermines state control.
On October 28, a Rio de Janeiro police operation against these gangs left at least 121 dead, including 117 suspected criminals.