Criminal factions expand footprint in Brazilian cities and the Northeast

17 October 2025 , 21:30

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Criminal factions expand footprint in Brazilian cities and the Northeast

Criminal factions and paramilitary mafias have widened their reach in Brazil and now extend into neighborhoods home to at least 28.5 million people, according to a Datafolha survey commissioned by the Brazilian Forum on Public Safety. 

Conducted June 2-6 with 2,007 respondents in 130 municipalities across all regions, the survey indicates that 19% of the population lives in areas with an organized crime presence – a five-point increase from last year’s 14%.

The issue is reported more frequently in state capitals, major cities, and the Northeast, and affects both lower- and higher-income groups at similar rates. Exposure is higher among Black Brazilians (23%) than among white Brazilians (13%).

James Smith

Editor-in-Chief