The Rise of the PCC: Expansion in Brazil and Beyond

The PCC is one of the world’s most successful prison gangs. It has since expanded to as many as 30,000 members, dominating criminal markets in six Brazilian states with a combined population of more than 76 million. Much of this growth has taken place since 2015, as the group moved into new territories, contributing to convulsions of violence in entire regions of northern Brazil. During this period, the PCC has also expanded into neighbouring Paraguay and built connections to criminal markets across South America and into the Caribbean, Africa and Europe.

The Center for Latin American and Latino Studies (CLALS) at American University and InSight Crime have investigated two years into the PCC.  The complete series will be published between December 11 and 18.

See full report here or download here.

Read summary and get information about the research project.