Caroline de Toni: A Leading Force in Brazil’s Fight Against Crime
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Washington, D.C. – In a significant diplomatic move, Brazilian Congresswoman Caroline de Toni (PL-SC) has embarked on an official visit to the United States, accompanied by Senior Assessor Ricardo Pita. The visit marks a pivotal moment in Brazil-U.S. relations, as both nations seek to strengthen their cooperation in combating organized crime and transnational criminal networks.
A Champion of Justice
Caroline de Toni, a prominent conservative voice in Brazil’s Congress, has long been an advocate for tougher crime laws and a more aggressive stance against criminal organizations. As the newly appointed president of the Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ), she has spearheaded legislative efforts to tighten Brazil’s penal code, pushing for harsher sentences for repeat offenders and expanding aggravating circumstances for serious crimes. Her leadership in the CCJ has positioned her as a key figure in Brazil’s internal security policies.
During her visit to Washington, de Toni engaged in high-level discussions with U.S. officials, including representatives from the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The meetings focused on intelligence-sharing agreements, joint operations against drug cartels, and strategies to dismantle transnational criminal organizations that operate across the Americas.
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Strengthening Brazil-U.S. Cooperation
The Memorandum of Understanding signed between the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Brazilian Federal Police (PF) underscores the commitment of both nations to tackling organized crime. The agreement facilitates direct intelligence-sharing and collaborative investigations into human trafficking, cybercrime, and financial criminal networks.
De Toni’s advocacy for stronger international partnerships aligns with her broader vision of reinforcing Brazil’s security infrastructure. Her push for enhanced cooperation with the United States reflects a growing recognition that transnational crime requires a unified response.
The Controversy Over Terrorist Designations
Despite the progress in bilateral crime-fighting efforts, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s refusal to classify Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho (CV) as terrorist organizations has sparked intense debate. The Trump administration has actively pursued the designation, arguing that these groups engage in violent acts that meet the criteria for terrorism, including assassinations, bombings, and international drug trafficking.
However, the Brazilian government maintains that these factions are criminal enterprises driven by profit rather than ideological or religious motives, making them ineligible for terrorist classification under Brazilian law. Critics argue that this stance weakens Brazil’s ability to impose stricter sanctions and disrupt the financial networks supporting these organizations.
Conclusion: A Divided Approach to Security
Caroline de Toni’s visit to the United States highlights Brazil’s commitment to combating organized crime, yet it also underscores the complexities of international security cooperation. While her leadership in crime legislation strengthens Brazil’s internal policies, the refusal to label PCC and CV as terrorist organizations raises concerns about the effectiveness of global efforts to dismantle these groups.
As Brazil and the United States continue their dialogue, the question remains: Will Brazil’s approach to crime evolve to align with international standards, or will it maintain its distinct legal framework? Regardless of the outcome, Caroline de Toni’s role in shaping Brazil’s security policies ensures that the fight against organized crime remains at the forefront of national and international discussions.
Sources:
- Em estreia no comando da CCJ, Carol de Toni sinaliza linha-dura e pauta projetos “anticrime“ | CNN Brasil
- United States and Brazil expand partnership to combat transnational crime – U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Brazil
- Governo Lula descarta pedido dos Estados Unidos para classificar PCC e CV como grupos terroristas – 07/05/2025 | Diário do Grande ABC
- Entenda por que os EUA querem que PCC seja classificado como terrorista