At the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, within the Lula Government, Rede-Lab drew attention on Tuesday (27) for the advances that Brazil has made in criminal investigations in recent years. They even mentioned the increase in monitoring and tracking of operations with cryptocurrencies, which have now become fertile ground for criminals.
According to the National Network of Laboratories for Technology Against Money Laundering (Rede-Lab), crime here hasn't stood still: it has been reinventing itself in the digital world and has brought more headaches for the authorities. With finances becoming increasingly complicated, investigations had to adjust and create new strategies to address financial crime.
Now, it's good to remember: Rede-Lab does not directly interfere in investigations. It works together with the Money Laundering Technology Laboratories (Lab-LD), which are within the civil police, federal police, public prosecutor's office, and other institutions. The role of Rede-Lab is more about organizing the house: standardizing concepts, spreading technology, exchanging experiences, and multiplying technical knowledge. As coordinator Danilo Ferreira de Toledo said, “the network helps, but does not interfere. It provides conditions for laboratories to have the capacity to identify and analyze signs of money laundering.”
Among the most important points they highlighted is the reinforcement in tracking bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies used by criminals. In addition, banking fraud and scams with artificial intelligence have also entered the radar of authorities.
Going forward, Rede-Lab has already announced that in 2026 it will continue firmly with projects against organized crime. One of the steps is to include the Asset Tracking and Investigation Guide (GRINPA) in the routine of the work. This guide will be a digital platform with updated content on asset tracking, cryptocurrencies, and other investigative procedures. The idea is to become a living library, always renewed by the network's members, and to help investigators without solely relying on in-person courses.
Created back in 2006, within the National Strategy to Combat Corruption and Money Laundering (Enccla), Rede-Lab has already established itself as a public state policy. In 2023, in fact, the GAFI officially recognized the Brazilian initiative as one of the most promising.