Criminal networks in Brazilʼs Amazon show fast growth - they now control over 260 towns in the rainforest region (which is about one-third of local areas)
The First Capital Command and Red Command groups spread their influence across Amazon municipalities: from 178 spots last year to 260 now. These mafia-style organizations picked this region as key spot for their operations
These crime groups use Amazonʼs hard-to-reach areas for moving illegal stuff between countries; their business includes:
- Drug trafficking
- Illegal mining
- Wildlife trade
- Forest products smuggling
The Brazilian Forum of Public Securityʼs new study points out how these groups work like real companies - they have complex systems and control different parts of illegal trade. Local towns face more problems because gangs fight for control of transport routes thru the rainforest