The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies has approved an anti-fraud bill aimed at toughening legislation against organized crime, while rejecting a proposal to tax betting as a means to finance public security.
On Tuesday, October 24, 2023, the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies approved the so-called 'Anti-Fraud Bill', which aims to strengthen laws against organized crime. This approval comes after previous iterations of the bill had undergone scrutiny and alternate wording from the Senate, leading to renewed discussions within the chamber. The bill is now set to be sent for presidential assent, which would mark a significant step in the country's legislative fight against criminal organizations.
The proposal initially received approval earlier this year but was brought back for reevaluation due to amendments made by Senate members. Hugo Motta, the President of the Chamber, confirmed that Guilherme Derrite, who has past experience as the Public Security Secretary of São Paulo, has retained his position as the bill's rapporteur despite facing criticism from certain government factions. Motta emphasized that negotiations were made regarding contentious elements within the bill to ensure its passage.
Despite the advancements with the Anti-Fraud Bill, a contentious issue arose regarding the discussion of taxation on betting activities to fund public security. This aspect of the proposal faced significant resistance, leading to its exclusion from the final version of the bill. This decision has raised questions about the funding sources for public security in Brazil, an ongoing challenge for policymakers as they address the increasing concerns regarding crime and safety across the nation.
