President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva launched the “Brasil Contra o Crime Organizado” program on May 12, 2026, to fight criminal organizations [1].
The initiative represents a significant escalation in the federal government's effort to reclaim strategic territories from gangs and militias. By establishing specialized hubs in the country's most populous cities, the administration aims to dismantle the infrastructure of organized crime.
As part of the strategy, the government will create anti-faction offices in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro [2]. These offices are designed to support the Integrated Forces for Combating Organized Crime, providing a centralized coordination point for intelligence and operations [2].
Funding for the program is substantial. The federal government announced R$ 11 billion for the combat of organized crime [3]. This financial commitment was formalized through Decree 12.966/2026, which was published on May 13, 2026 [3].
“The program Brasil Contra o Crime Organizado was launched this Tuesday, May 12, at the Palácio do Planalto,” Lula said [1].
The Ministry of Justice said that the new offices in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro will be essential to support the Integrated Forces [2]. The government intends to use these resources to strengthen the fight against factions and militias in areas considered strategic for national security [2].
This coordinated approach combines immediate financial investment with a structural shift in how federal agencies interact with local law enforcement. The goal is to ensure that territories currently controlled by criminal groups are returned to the public, and the state [1].
“The federal government announced R$ 11 billion for the combat of organized crime.”
The creation of specialized anti-faction offices suggests a shift toward a more targeted, intelligence-led approach in Brazil's urban centers. By focusing R$ 11 billion on the specific hubs of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the federal government is acknowledging that these cities serve as the primary logistical and financial engines for the country's largest criminal networks.
