Francisco Badenes, Brazil

I am a Police Officer in Brazil and worked on the inquiry into murders of street children in the state of Espírito Santo. My investigation led to the incarceration of several members of the Death Squad, comprised of bad policemen, who took advantage of their positions of power to kill children and murder people for political reasons. The investigation revealed a powerful criminal organization, responsible for ensuring impunity for the members of this Death Squad, as well as impunity for the politicians and civil servants involved with a corruption scheme whose purpose was to steal public money which deprived the local community of basic investments in education, in the health system, security and food for underprivileged children.

This criminal organization, similar to the Mafia, had among its members; politicians, judges, prosecutors, lawyers and police officers. It gathers money from several criminal activities. The money was used for many illicit purposes including the financing of political campaigns, which further undermined the democratic structure of the Nation. Anyone who got in their way was killed. They tried also to kill me and tried also to prevent my investigations. As a Police Officer, I was going through a very hard time, because the power of this organization allowed it to continue with impunity no matter what and hidden behind all of this was the sad reality of the State of Espírito Santo – an extremely high number of street children being killed, and increasing corruption in several public institutions. At that time, a different Government was in power and we also had a President who took no action.

Last April, I was contacted by Mary Lawlor from Front Line, who gave me access to the United Nations, allowing me to expose this difficult situation in Geneva, where, through Front Line intervention, I was introduced to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mrs. Mary Robinson. With the presentation at the United Nations, it was possible to reveal how dangerous the situation was and overcome the block created by this powerful criminal network, which also intimidated local media.

Last September, Front Line sponsored my trip to Ireland, where I visited several government and police institutions, as well as cultural and beautiful places in this heroic land. Front Line also provided me with technical equipment in order to help me in my professional mission to fighting organized crime.

As a result of this process, the then Brazilian Minister for Justice sent a task force with 150 federal policemen and five attorneys to the state of Espírito Santo, who are continuing to work there. Results have already been achieved, people have been arrested and prosecuted for corruption and money laundering. The task force has succeeded in curbing the activities of this Criminal Organization.

As I finish my testimony, I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to our Lord Jesus, for all the blessings and justice which has come into such an underprivileged community. I would like to sincerely express my gratitude to Front Line, for this opportunity and for all the help I’ve been given, also expressing my gratitude, recognition and admiration for Ireland and its people, a country to which I am very attached.

Thank you very much.