Post
Region: Geopolity
- JORNAL DO BRASIL
Desde 1891
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- Mundo Brasil Rio Informe JB Opinião Política Economia | Esportes Saúde Ciência Caderno B Colunistas Fake e Fatos
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- Brasil
- Venezuelan gangs expand into Brazilian north, leaving trail of dead in their wake
Crime levels in Roraima have hit their highest levels in years, as Venezuelan gangs piggyback on the influx of refugees to cement their hold in the north.
The number of violent deaths and reported crimes per capita in Roraima experienced a 50% and 8% jump from the previous year respectively. Most of the uptick can be attributed to Venezuelan gangs, which have exploited the general sense of disarray to smuggle their own members across the border. From there, they establish local branches and operations, ranging from kidnappings and hits to trafficked guns and sex workers.
"These cartels prey on the homeless and destitute refugees and get them to be mules and labour. There's a lot of desperation, and many accept the job without thinking twice. That's why they are being able to enter the Brazilian market so quickly," said a state police officer.
Most victims of said kidnappings and hits are fellow Venezuelans, many of whom have had previous histories with criminal elements. But local businesses are starting to feel the squeeze, as gangs are carving out their own 'turfs' and charging residents protection fees. "The government needs to do something," said the owner of a gas station. "These foreign gangs think they can just rock up here and tell us what to do? Insane!"
The sheer volume of contraband flowing from Venezuela has also upset the black market. An insider source informed the Jornal that rifles, grenades, and rocket launchers were being sold by Venezuelan gangs on the cheap, and that local smugglers were being progressively edged out of the market.
"There's definitely going to be a turf war at some point," the source remarked.
The Brazilian Restoration and Salvation Council (BRSC) has coordinated several raids with state police, resulting in the seizure of firearms and the arrest of 38 individuals. It is also transferring 12 decommissioned EE-11 Urutu armoured personnel carriers and 4 helicopters to the state police, who are often outgunned by the rifle-wielding criminals. An additional delivery of 500 assault rifles with corresponding ammunition is set to be made in 2 weeks' time.
"We are monitoring the situation closely and will take action as needed," said Minister of Justice and Public Security Taaj Manzoor, appearing in a press conference. "We have plans, to be activated in an emergency, to take Venezuelans off the streets and into safe areas for everyone's security."
