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In a recent article published on G1 (Globo News), it is clear that the debate on disarming the population is delicate ground. The dissemination of biased information and the creation of distorted narratives are serious issues, especially when it comes to sensitive topics such as gun ownership.
The article in question seeks to associate all CACs (Collectors, Sports Shooters and Hunters) with the PCC¹ (First Capital Command). However, this association with all CACs lacks clear evidence and can be considered a journalistic error. Generalizing an entire category based on isolated cases can damage the image of those who strictly follow the rules for legal gun ownership.
Let’s look at the numbers: in 2018, there were around 117,467 CACs registered in Brazil. However, during President Jair Bolsonaro’s administration, this contingent has grown significantly, reaching 673,818 CACs by July 1, 2022. It is important to put these figures into context, remembering that the majority of CACs are involved in sporting or collecting activities, following legal regulations.
We emphasize that the dissemination of biased information and the creation of distorted narratives are serious issues, and the media must address these topics responsibly and impartially.
Misleading fiction is a term that refers to narratives or information that combine fictional elements with real facts, with the potential to mislead or confuse the public. This mixture can be used to create engaging stories, but it can also be dangerous when it is not clearly identified as fiction. In short, misleading fiction is a form of communication that plays with the line between reality and imagination, often with specific intentions.
Article Published: 2024/09/11 (in portuguese) – https://g1.globo.com/sp/sao-paulo/noticia/2024/09/11/video-alem-de-fornecer-armas-e-municao-cacs-treinaram-integrantes-do-pcc-para-ataques-de-novo-cangaco-em-sp.ghtml
As well as supplying weapons and ammunition, CACs trained PCC members for ‘new cangaço’ attacks in SP
The investigation found that collectors and shooters taught members of the faction how to handle and shoot rifles. Weapons with legal registrations were used for violent robberies of banks and cash-in-transit companies
An investigation by the Federal Police (PF) and the São Paulo Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP-SP) found that Collectors, Sports Shooters and Hunters (CACs) trained members of the First Capital Command (PCC) to handle and shoot firearms with high destructive power as training for attacks known as the “new cangaço” or “domination of cities”.
In this type of action, criminals use violence and heavy weaponry to rob banks, ATMs, safe cars and cash-in-transit companies, usually accompanied by a great deal of violence and social terror.
Gun collectors, shooters and hunters have become suppliers of weapons and ammunition to criminal factions in the country, according to operations by the PF and MP-SP in São Paulo and Bahia.
In 2019, the government of Jair Bolsonaro (PL) relaxed the rules for CACs, which allowed more people to have access to weapons through this modality. With the changes, the number of new guns registered per year jumped from 59,000 in 2018 to 431,000 in 2022 – the last of the former president’s term.
Rifle training
A video obtained by prosecutors and deputies shows investigated Otávio de Magalhães, who is registered as a CAC, explaining to two PCC members – Elaine Garcia and her companion, Delvane Lacerda (alias Pantera) – how to use a rifle.
According to the PF and the Public Prosecutor’s Office, Otávio is charged with illegally carrying a restricted-use weapon and was responsible for illegally buying and selling arms and ammunition to the criminal faction. CAC members can legally buy weapons and ammunition, but not resell them.
At Otávio Magalhães’ house, investigators reported finding “a veritable arsenal of weapons, including dozens of registered and unregistered firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, accessories, gunpowder, homemade explosive devices and triggers,” objects commonly used in the practice of “city domination” robberies.
On Tuesday (10), the Federal Police and the Special Action Group to Combat Organized Crime (Gaeco) launched the second phase of Operation Baal and arrested three people linked to “new cangaço” attacks. They were arrested:
- JAKSON OLIVEIRA SANTOS (Dako): a member of the PCC who remained on the run from 2005 until 2024, when he was arrested in another investigation by Gaeco in Campinas (SP). On that occasion, firearms, accessories, ammunition, camouflage clothing and other objects used to commit violent crimes were seized (the target was already in prison and a new warrant for his arrest was served).
- LAINE SOUZA GARCIA: according to the investigation, she trained with the rifle, and was also responsible for coordinating drug trafficking, the execution of rivals, and the illegal trade in firearms and ammunition.
- DIOGO ERNESTO NASCIMENTO SANTOS: according to the investigation, he was arrested for the crime of receiving goods in Rondonópolis (MT). He was granted provisional release, but failed to comply with the judicial precautionary measures and so his request for preventive detention was granted. The investigation indicates that in addition to playing a key role in the financial core of the criminal organization, he was also linked to executions.
Since the beginning of the year, 18 people have been indicted by the Public Prosecutor’s Office. In the first phase of the operation, investigators arrested four CACs who supplied weapons and ammunition to the PCC. This nucleus of the faction financed at least four “city domains”: Criciúma (SC) (2020), Guarapuava (PR) (2022), Araçatuba (SP) (2021) and Confresa (MT) (2023).
In the attack in Confresa, it was identified that one of the accused lived in São Paulo and was a member of the PCC. The evidence gathered revealed that this and other similar actions were financed by members of the faction, who also operate in drug trafficking and money laundering.
Based on the investigation in Mato Grosso, the PF and prosecutors also discovered other attacks financed by CACs. The criminals are also being investigated for several executions in Avelino Lopes (PI) and a dispute over a drug sales point in Osasco, in Greater São Paulo, as well as other links with organized crime in money laundering.
“The acquisition of weapons by the PCC is nothing new. But as soon as the CACs get this easy access to weapons and ammunition and end up not using it and giving it to criminals, it facilitates their actions of city domination and the new cangaço,” explains Federal Police chief Jeferson Di Schiavi.
“The group is also under investigation for several executions in Avelino Lopes (PI) and for disputing territory for the drug trade in Osasco, in Greater São Paulo. It’s a group that operates all over the country, but with its base in São Paulo and with very active groups in the North and Northeast of the country,” added prosecutor Eduardo Veloso.
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¹The First Capital Command (PCC – Primeiro Comando da Capital) is one of the largest criminal organizations in Brazil. Founded in 1993 within the São Paulo state prison system, the PCC has a significant presence throughout Brazil. In addition to inmate membership throughout the country, the PCC is known for being the main exporter of cocaine in South America and has thousands of members.
The PCC’s role goes beyond conventional crime. It acts as a kind of “invisible hand” in the criminal market, regulating activities and helping its members and their families. The organization has built powerful alliances abroad, including with Italian mafias, and is involved in conflicts with the state in the so-called “war on drugs”. It also rivals another criminal faction, the Comando Vermelho, in the dispute for control of prisons and the lucrative cocaine market.