Growth of Gangs and Militias Affects 28.5 Million Brazilians, Datafolha Survey Reveals

Criminal factions and militias have expanded their influence over Brazilian territory and now reach the neighborhoods of 19% of the population, according to a Datafolha research commissioned by the Brazilian Forum on Public Security, as reported by Folha de S.Paulo. This percentage represents 28.5 million people living close to organized crime, a number that has increased by five percentage points compared to the previous year. In 2024, 14% of respondents stated that they coexisted with this type of presence in their neighborhoods. The survey interviewed 2,007 Brazilians over 16 years old in 130 municipalities across all regions of the country between June 2 and 6. The research analyzed the population’s perception of organized crime, as well as situations of violence, financial scams, and police activity.