Brazil's Hidden Crisis: How Tax Evasion Fuels Organized Crime

Brazil: Tax Evasion Fuels Organized Crime, Experts Warn Brazil is grappling with alarming rates of urban violence, a concern recently highlighted by Quaest consultancy. The rise of organized crime's influence on the economy directly impacts everyday life for Brazilians. A new video produced by Estadão Blue Studio in partnership with the Instituto Combustível Legal (ICL) sheds light on the direct and historical relationship between organized crime and tax evaders. Experts interviewed include Rafael Alcadipani (FGV professor), Nívio Nascimento (FBSP director of international relations), and Emerson Kapaz (ICL president). They explain how companies that evade taxes create a lucrative environment for criminal organizations. Kapaz states, "Tax evasion has become more profitable than drug trafficking." This practice not only deprives the government of crucial revenue but also fuels the cycle of violence. The staggering amount of 200 billion reais lost to tax evasion in the fuel sector alone demonstrates the scale of the problem. The video underscores the need for stricter enforcement of tax laws and collaborative efforts to combat organized crime. The insights provided by these experts offer a crucial understanding of this complex issue and its devastating consequences for Brazilian society.