Today, the Executive Power enacted Law 27.786, also known as the "Anti-Mafia Law," publishing it in the Official Bulletin. This law, which was sanctioned by Congress during extraordinary sessions, aims to combat criminal organizations. With the entry into force of Decree 177/2025 starting today, penalties for members of criminal organizations will be increased, targeting the dismantling and prevention of organized crime gangs involved in crimes such as drug trafficking, money laundering, extortion, and human trafficking.
Law 27.786 defines a criminal organization as any group of "three or more persons" acting in a coordinated manner over a period and in specific areas to commit serious crimes. New criteria for identifying the participation of offenders in these organizations are introduced, such as the repetition of crimes in the same territory and the attempt to control certain areas. One of the main changes is the possibility of declaring certain areas as "subject to special investigation."
The differentiation of roles within criminal organizations is eliminated, establishing penalties for all members equally, from the leader to the new member. The law was unanimously approved in the National Senate, with 38 votes from various political sectors, allowing federal and provincial security forces to carry out coordinated operations, intervene communications, and confiscate assets related to criminal activities.
Furthermore, the new legal norm authorizes the detention of a person for up to 48 hours to investigate their participation in crimes, with the corresponding authorization from the Public Prosecutor's Office and immediate notification to the judicial authority. Penalties for those who are part of or collaborate with criminal organizations are toughened, with sentences ranging from 8 to 20 years. It is also established that members of these groups may receive the penalty for the most serious crime committed by the gang.
