Brazil Launches National List of Most Dangerous Fugitives

The US has the FBI’s Most Wanted list. Now, Brazil has its own. The federal government recently launched the National Wanted List (Lista de Procurados). It’s effectively a domestic version of Interpol’s famous “Red List,” naming the country’s most dangerous fugitives.

Each of Brazil’s 26 states, along with the Federal District, can nominate up to eight individuals based on the seriousness of their crimes and the threat they pose. The final list includes 216 high-priority fugitives across the country tied to drug trafficking, homicide, and organized crime.

The goal is to strengthen coordination between federal and state law enforcement by focusing on priority targets - specifically, fugitives who already have warrants out for their arrest. For years, fragmented communication between state police forces allowed criminals to evade capture by crossing state lines.

Alongside the list, the Ministry of Justice launched a website where the public can view photos, read profiles, and submit anonymous tips. It’s part of a broader effort to involve citizens and bring more transparency to criminal enforcement.

While rewards are sometimes offered for tips leading to a capture, don’t expect anything close to US-style payouts. In Brazil, rewards tend to be modest, with most falling under R$10,000 (less than US$2,000). Still, officials hope that even small incentives will generate useful leads.

Will a public list solve Brazil’s crime problem? Not likely. But it’s a step in the right direction and a sign that the government is putting more weight behind its fight against organized crime.