In the heart of the Amazon rainforest, a dark shadow is spreading. Organized crime groups are making their way into more cities than ever before. A new report tells us that in 2024, these gangs were active in over a third of the municipalities in Brazil's vast Amazon region. That's 260 out of 772 towns and cities! The Red Command and the First Capital Command, two powerful gangs, are tightening their grip. A year ago, the Red Command controlled only 25% of the cities they're in now.

This isn't just about crime in the streets. These gangs are also taking over the illegal trade routes, making the Amazon a hotspot for transnational trafficking. Drugs, weapons, and who knows what else are flowing through the rainforest. This might explain why violent deaths have dropped by 6. 2% from 2021 to 2023. But don't be fooled, the violence is just moving to quieter areas.

Remember Bruno Pereira and Dom Phillips? They were killed in 2022 while investigating the region. Their deaths showed the world how violent things have gotten. Nobody's safe when organized crime takes over.

So, what's causing this criminal boom? illegal mining has skyrocketed, especially under former President Bolsonaro. And who's to blame? Not just the gangs, but also some Brazilian lawmakers and local politicians. They're being accused of taking money from these criminal groups in exchange for protection.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is trying to fight back, but it's not easy. Deforestation is down, but the gangs are still spreading. To stop this, we need a coordinated plan from the government. And maybe, just maybe, some honest politicians.

Amazon's Criminal Takeover: Gangs Spread Faster than Ever

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