O ÚNICO ASSUNTO PROIBIDO no FALA GLAUBER PODCAST

Summary

This conversation delves into the deep-rooted influence of the 'jogo do bicho' (illegal gambling) in Rio de Janeiro, exploring its historical connection to organized crime and its pervasive impact on local politics, law enforcement, and society. The speakers discuss the corruption it generated within police forces, its role in funding political campaigns, and how its influence continues to affect the city’s public safety. They also highlight the cultural and social aspects, like ties to samba schools and football, and the challenges of confronting such a deeply embedded criminal network. The debate questions whether legalizing 'jogo do bicho' could reduce its negative legacy.

Takeaways

• 😀 The narrator is impressed by a scene from a TV show featuring Rogério de Andrade, which illustrates the impact and cultural significance of the 'jogo do bicho' (illegal gambling) in Rio de Janeiro.
• 😀 The conversation touches on the fear of discussing or exposing criminal organizations like 'jogo do bicho,' as people involved are often linked to powerful figures in law enforcement and politics.
• 😀 A significant issue highlighted is the long-standing influence of criminal organizations on Rio's police force, particularly in how they infiltrate the police, judiciary, and other state institutions.
• 😀 The narrator points out how the 'jogo do bicho' is deeply embedded in local culture, particularly in its connections with samba schools and football, which have a strong social impact.
• 😀 The argument is made that the legacy of 'jogo do bicho' in Rio de Janeiro has left a corrupting influence on the police and political system, leading to widespread bribery and unethical behavior.
• 😀 Historical context is provided, tracing the origins of 'jogo do bicho' back to the 1930s, and discussing its evolution alongside political corruption and the banning of casinos in Brazil.
• 😀 The complex relationship between the 'jogo do bicho' and drug trafficking is discussed, showing that both share logistical routes and often the same criminal networks.
• 😀 There is a debate over the legitimacy of 'jogo do bicho' with some arguing it generates employment and community support, while others condemn its broader criminal and corrupt influence.
• 😀 The involvement of politicians in supporting or tolerating the 'jogo do bicho' is mentioned, with specific examples of public figures maintaining ties with the gambling underworld.
• 😀 The narrator stresses the importance of confronting the criminal structures tied to 'jogo do bicho' with the same vigor as the state's efforts to combat drug trafficking and organized crime.

Q & A

What role did the game of chance (jogo do bicho) play in the history of Rio de Janeiro?

The jogo do bicho (game of chance) played a significant historical role in Rio de Janeiro by creating a network that infiltrated the state's institutions, particularly the police force, and became intertwined with other forms of organized crime. It was initially linked with social causes, like providing employment for ex-prisoners, but it eventually became a source of corruption and power struggles.

Why is the police's involvement with jogo do bicho seen as problematic?

The police’s involvement with the jogo do bicho is problematic because it contributed to widespread corruption within law enforcement. Officers were often paid by the game’s operators to protect their interests, and this compromised the police's ability to combat other criminal activities, including drug trafficking.

What was the impact of the jogo do bicho on Rio's public security?

The jogo do bicho negatively impacted public security by undermining the effectiveness of the police and judicial system. It facilitated the creation of a criminal infrastructure that persisted over decades, leading to corrupt practices that extended into drug trafficking and militia activities.

How did the game of chance (jogo do bicho) evolve from a social institution to a source of criminal activity?

The jogo do bicho evolved from a social institution providing employment to ex-prisoners to a powerful criminal organization. As it grew, it infiltrated state institutions, including the police, and began financing political campaigns, resulting in widespread corruption and a shift towards more dangerous criminal practices.

What was the historical connection between jogo do bicho and drug trafficking in Rio de Janeiro?

The jogo do bicho played a role in introducing and spreading drug trafficking in Rio de Janeiro, especially in the 1970s. It facilitated the arrival of cocaine into the city and was involved in contraband activities, laying the groundwork for the organized crime that would dominate the region.

What challenges do the police face when trying to investigate the jogo do bicho and related crimes?

The police face significant challenges in investigating the jogo do bicho due to the entrenched corruption within the police force itself. Many officers are complicit, and without the support of the judiciary and the public prosecutor's office, investigations are often hindered or blocked, allowing the criminal network to thrive.

How does the culture of corruption within Rio's police force affect the fight against organized crime?

The culture of corruption within Rio’s police force severely hinders the fight against organized crime. Corrupt officers protect criminal organizations like the jogo do bicho and drug traffickers, diverting resources away from legitimate law enforcement efforts and perpetuating a cycle of impunity.

What role did politicians play in perpetuating the power of criminal organizations like the jogo do bicho?

Politicians have played a crucial role in perpetuating the power of criminal organizations like the jogo do bicho by accepting financial support for their campaigns. This relationship has allowed criminal organizations to influence elections, strengthen their control over territories, and continue their operations with little interference.

Why does the speaker believe that legalizing the jogo do bicho might not solve the problem in Rio de Janeiro?

The speaker believes that legalizing the jogo do bicho would not solve the underlying issues because the criminal networks that have formed around it are too powerful and deeply integrated into the state’s institutions. Legalizing it might only further entrench these organizations and expand their influence.

What is the significance of the comparison between the jogo do bicho and drug trafficking in the script?

The comparison between the jogo do bicho and drug trafficking highlights the similarities in how both criminal organizations operate. Both exploit state weaknesses, engage in territorial disputes, and rely on corrupt networks to maintain power. The script argues that the state must confront these organizations with the same level of resolve used to fight drug trafficking.