The PCC’s sprawling presence in Brazil’s economy (Preview)

Explaining Brazil

Explaining Brazil
The PCC’s sprawling presence in Brazil’s economy (Preview)
Sep 17, 2025
The Brazilian Report

A massive police operation exposed how deep Brazil's largest criminal organization has penetrated the legitimate economy.

Rafael Alcadipani, a professor at the FGV’s School of Public Administration and a member of the Brazilian Forum on Public Safety, unpacks: 

  • How the PCC evolved into a mafia-like organization, with multiple economic activities.
  • The impacts of this expansion on democracy.
  • Brazil’s federal and state-level capacity to combat organized crime.
  • How the United States might play a role — and the risks. 

Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or on The Brazilian Report.

Support the show