Brazil, US Join Hands to Fight Organized Crime Ahead of Elections

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Brasilia: The government of Brazil has announced a new joint effort with the United States to fight organized crime. The plan includes sharing data between Brazil’s tax authority and US Customs and Border Protection to track illegal activities.

The move comes as President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva focuses on public security ahead of the upcoming elections. His lead in opinion polls has dropped, and he is now expected to face a close run-off vote against his main rival, Flavio Bolsonaro.

Brazil’s tax authority has already helped uncover money laundering linked to criminal groups, especially in the fuel sector, with some operations connected to other countries. Lula has also asked U.S. President Donald Trump to take action against the owner of Refit, who is believed to be involved in the scheme and is currently in the United States.

Despite cooperation, there are still disagreements between the two countries. The US has asked Brazil to label major gangs as terrorist groups, but Brazil has refused.

The new initiative aims to improve intelligence sharing to stop illegal shipments of weapons and drugs. Officials said over 1,100 weapons coming from the US were seized in the past year, along with more than 1.5 tonnes of drugs in the first few months of this year.

The agreement follows talks between Lula and Trump, although a planned meeting between the two leaders has been delayed due to rising global tensions.