Explaining Brazil
Explaining Brazil
The Brazilian Report
The PCC’s sprawling presence in Brazil’s economy (Preview)
10 minutes Posted Sep 17, 2025 at 6:00 pm.
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Show notes

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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