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.
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