Lula strengthens partnership with INTERPOL to counter organized crime

Strengthening international cooperation to combat organized crime. Dismantling transnational criminal organizations and their support networks. Supporting the technological and institutional modernization of public security agencies in Brazil and Latin America and promoting the protection of vulnerable groups and human rights in police operations.

To effectively combat crime, it is essential to cut off its sources of financing, particularly money laundering. Just like other pressing challenges that require collective action — such as climate change and the governance of digital space — police cooperation will remain a priority of Brazil’s foreign policy”

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of the Republic of Brazil

These are the four objectives of the Statement of Intent signed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during a solemn session at the headquarters of INTERPOL in Lyon, France. The event held this Monday, June 9, symbolized the first time a Brazilian president visited the headquarters of this institution, recognized as the world’s largest and oldest police organization. INTERPOL assembles police forces from 196 partner nations, which is more than the United Nations (UN).

» President Lula’s full speech

“To effectively combat crime, it is essential to cut off its sources of financing, particularly money laundering. No country alone will be able to overcome transnational crime. Just like other pressing challenges that require collective action — such as climate change and the governance of digital space — police cooperation will remain a priority of Brazil’s foreign policy,” Lula stated.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION – Before the visit to INTERPOL, Lula spoke at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, where he advocated that protecting the oceans is key to combating climate change. In Lyon, he underscored that strengthening public security also means protecting nature. “My commitment to achieving zero illegal deforestation by 2030 involves taking firm action to suppress all forms of environmental crime,” stated the Brazilian President, listing some of the achievements of his administration. “Last year, Brazilian police seized more than 250 million dollars in assets from individuals accused of committing environmental crimes. We also rendered unusable a total of 60 million dollars’ worth of equipment used in illegal mining operations, including dredges, tractors, bulldozers, and aircraft.” The President highlighted the Ouro Alvo (Target Gold) Program, a joint initiative between the governments of Brazil and France that involves cross-border efforts to combat the illegal extraction and trade of gold and mercury. These operations have played a key role in the disintrusion of Indigenous lands and in reducing deforestation.

GLOBAL ISSUE – Lula warned that criminal organizations have become more sophisticated and have globally expanded their illicit activities. “One of the perverse consequences of globalization is the ability of criminal groups to coordinate beyond national borders. Criminal activity is evolving at an unprecedented pace, demanding urgent and coordinated multilateral action. Increasingly driven by digital technology and global connectivity, organized crime has become a truly global issue.” It is in this context, Lula noted, that the partnership with INTERPOL becomes essential. “INTERPOL works to locate and apprehend some of the world’s most dangerous criminals, combat terrorism, rescue victims of sex trafficking and exploitation, and protect the environment,” he said.

UNPRECEDENTED ROLE — The Brazilian President celebrated the election of Valdecy Urquiza as the first Brazilian to serve as INTERPOL Secretary General, describing it as a testament to both his distinguished career and the international recognition of Brazil’s security forces. “I found it hard to believe that a Brazilian citizen could become INTERPOL’s Secretary General. Your election confirmed something I deeply believe: nothing is impossible when we work hard, when we believe, and when we truly want something to happen. It is also a recognition of Brazil’s prominent role in combating transnational crime,” he stressed.

MULTILATERALISM – In his speech, Urquiza emphasized that combating organized crime requires action rooted in multilateralism. “We need a multilateral and integrated strategy that harnesses the efforts of all nations in a common front. Brazil’s support for INTERPOL has been consistent, significant, and valuable. Powerful transnational organizations commit serious crimes such as human trafficking, child sexual exploitation, arms and drug trafficking, cybercrime, and environmental offenses. These crimes can profoundly impact our communities, economies, and institutions. More than ever, the need for a global, coordinated, and effective response has become non-negotiable,” stated the INTERPOL Secretary General.

TRIBUTES – During the ceremony, President Lula received a medal from Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, President of INTERPOL’s Executive Committee, in recognition of his excellence and commitment to combating transnational organized crime. “Your leadership in Brazil over the past three decades and multiple terms has consistently demonstrated a determination to contribute to global security, justice, and international cooperation,” said Al-Raisi. Lula, in turn, awarded Valdecy Urquiza the Order of Rio Branco, at the rank of Grand Officer. Established in 1963, the decoration honors meritorious service and civic virtues, and aims to encourage actions and achievements worthy of honorable mention.

UNITED EFFORTS – Brazil’s Minister of Justice, Ricardo Lewandowski, underscored that crime claims lives, wrecks homes, destroys public and private assets, and corrupts societies. “Unfortunately, the much-needed efforts to counter criminality withdraw public resources from priority areas such as health, education, employment, innovation, and infrastructure. For this reason, success in combating transnational organized crime requires united efforts and resources among the various states. It cannot be an isolated effort,” he stressed. Also in attendance at the ceremony were the Director General of Brazil’s Federal Police, Andrei Rodrigues, as well as Brazilian ministers and parliamentarians.