Brazil in January 2026: the most important developments in security
Brazil's security agenda in January 2026 was shaped by the US strikes on Venezuela. On January 4, Venezuela temporarily closed its border with Brazil. On January 9, Brazil authorized the National Guard to be deployed to a city on the Venezuelan border. By mid-month, President Lula and military commanders were discussing the Venezuela crisis and Brazil's defense needs, and Brazil was seeking stronger air defenses. Lula called the US attack on Venezuela concerning and destabilizing. A poll found that Brazilians supported US military action in Venezuela and criticized Lula.
Organized crime and financial cases occupied the police. Officers monitored São Paulo during an investigation involving the club Corinthians and the PCC, and São Paulo FC faced a money laundering and organized crime probe. Vorcaro's brother-in-law was arrested while trying to fly to Dubai on a private jet. In Rio, police and prosecutors targeted an oil theft ring that caused millions in losses. Separately, former President Bolsonaro was moved to a bigger cell.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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