Mercosur Establishes Commission to Combat Organized Crime with Integrated Data Strategy

Brazil's Justice and Public Security Minister Ricardo Lewandowski announced a significant initiative aimed at combating transnational organized crime within the Mercosur bloc. During a meeting with security ministers from member countries held in Brasília, he introduced the creation of a Mercosur commission tasked with developing a permanent and coordinated strategy for fighting organized crime across the region. The commission will set short, medium, and long-term goals and emphasize integration and cooperation among member states.

A critical part of this effort is the development of a regional database on criminal factions to enhance recognition of transnational criminal networks and facilitate technical and police cooperation. This follows an acknowledgment by Paraguayan Interior Minister Enrique Escudero, the pro tempore president of the group, who highlighted the necessity of integrating data and creativity in the fight against organized crime, which now also includes emerging threats like cybercrime.

The commission also focuses on continuous education, sharing best practices, and training new agents in the member countries. An agreement was reached to strengthen cooperation in combating human trafficking, a major concern for the region. Lewandowski described this initiative as an important step for Mercosur nations to address this crime, which disproportionately affects vulnerable populations.

Additionally, participating ministers signed a joint declaration focused on improving public cooperation concerning the Bioceanic Corridor that links Brazil and Peru, emphasizing accident prevention, combatting transnational crime, and protecting citizens. They also agreed on measures aimed at monitoring and addressing environmental crimes within the region.

These developments come amid heightened public security concerns in Brazil following the deadly Operation Contenção in Rio de Janeiro. Argentine National Security Secretary Alejandra Montioliva underscored that no country can combat organized crime individually and stressed the importance of both technical and political viability in implementing these cooperative strategies. Lewandowski noted that while these agreements represent declarations of intent, they will soon translate into concrete programs through collaborative efforts among Mercosur members.