Brazil and Interpol to expand collaboration in fighting crime
Brazil and Interpol have signed a declaration of intent aimed at expanding collaboration. The act was signed during a visit by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to the institution’s headquarters in Lyon, France, on Monday (Jun. 9).
“One of the perverse consequences of globalization is the work of criminal groups across national borders. Crime is evolving at an unprecedented speed, requiring urgent and coordinated multilateral action,” said the Brazilian president, further affirming that police cooperation will remain a priority in Brazilian foreign policy.
“To fight crime effectively, we need to stop its financing mechanisms—especially money laundering. No single country will be able to stamp out transnational crime on its own,” he added, mentioning policies adopted by the current Brazilian government to combat these crimes.
Among the goals listed in the document are supporting the technological and institutional modernization of public security bodies in Brazil and Latin America and protecting vulnerable groups and human rights during police operations.
Since November 2024, Interpol has been headed by Brazilian Federal Police officer Valdecy Urquiza, who was elected the new secretary-general of the 196-nation organization. He is the first representative of a developing country to hold this position in Interpol’s 100 years of existence.
President Lula said it was an honor for Brazil and the Federal Police to have a Brazilian in Interpol’s highest position as a result of the country’s credibility in the fight against organized crime. The president praised Urquiza’s work and dedication. In his view, the role of the police today is more complex than at any other time in history.
“In organized crime, you don’t just deal with a gang, you don’t just deal with groups. They’re veritable multinational enterprises working within companies, politics, in the judiciary, in soccer, everywhere in culture. It’s like an octopus using its tentacles to take over everything that’s wrong in the world,” he stated.
In Urquiza’s view, the agreement with Brazil will inspire other countries to deepen their integration with the international community. He also announced the creation of a new international task force—the result of dialogue with South American police chiefs at a meeting held in Brasília last month.
The move focuses on tackling transnational criminal organizations operating in the region. “The integrated force will bring together specialists, intelligence data, and technological resources from Interpol to assist countries in the region carrying out joint operations. Our goal is clear—to weaken the control structures of these organizations, disrupt their financial flows, and bring their leaders to justice,” he declared.
Engagements
The event in Lyon was the last on President Lula’s schedule during his trip to France. His official appointments began on June 5, when the Brazilian was received by French President Emmanuel Macron. On the occasion, they discussed issues such as the Mercosur–European Union agreement and signed some 20 bilateral agreements on health care, public security, education, and science and technology.
The Brazilian leader also took part in cultural events as part of the Year of Brazil in France, was honored by the French Academy and Paris 8 University, met with executives, received Brazil’s certificate as a country free of foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination, and took part in the United Nations Conference on the Oceans.
The Brazilian delegation is expected to return to Brasília today.
