Bolivia's New Frontier of Brazilian Mafia Violence

The city of Guayaramerín, located in the northeastern part of Bolivia, has become a new frontier for Brazilian mafia groups. The PCC and CV are two of the most powerful criminal organizations in Brazil, and their presence in Bolivia has led to an increase in violence and crime. According to the Bolivian government, these groups have found a haven in the country's border towns, where they can operate and refuge with relative ease.

## The Strategic Location of Guayaramerín Guayaramerín is situated on the banks of the Mamoré River, which separates it from the Brazilian town of Guajará-Mirim. The river is a major transportation route, with boats and ships carrying passengers and goods between the two towns. This has made Guayaramerín an attractive location for criminal organizations, who can use the river to transport cocaine and other illicit goods. The Bolivian government has stated that the PCC and CV have established themselves in the country's border towns, where they can operate with relative impunity.

## The Expansion of Brazilian Mafia Groups The PCC and CV are two of the most powerful criminal organizations in Brazil, with a presence that extends beyond the country's borders. They have established themselves in countries such as Bolivia and Paraguay, where they are involved in the trafficking of cocaine and other illicit goods. The PCC was founded in 1993 in a São Paulo prison, while the CV emerged in the 1970s in Rio de Janeiro. Both groups have evolved into highly organized and structured entities, with the PCC having a more hierarchical structure and the CV operating in a more decentralized manner.

| Organization | Founding Year | Location | | --- | --- | --- | | PCC | 1993 | São Paulo, Brazil | | CV | 1970s | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |

## The Impact of Violence on Local Communities The expansion of Brazilian mafia groups into Bolivia has led to an increase in violence and crime. Local communities have reported a rise in homicides, assaults, and other crimes, with some residents expressing fear and concern for their safety. The Bolivian government has announced plans to increase the presence of police in the border towns and to cooperate more closely with Brazilian authorities to combat the spread of organized crime. However, experts warn that the problem of organized crime is complex and multifaceted, and that a more comprehensive approach is needed to address the root causes of the issue.

The increase in violence has also led to a deterioration in the overall security situation in Bolivia. According to data from the Bolivian government, the number of homicides has increased significantly in recent years, with 774 reported between January and September 2025, compared to 325 during the same period in the previous year. The government has announced plans to increase the presence of police in the border towns and to cooperate more closely with Brazilian authorities to combat the spread of organized crime.