THE ROLE OF THE FEDERAL REVENUE SERVICE IN COMBATING SMUGGLING ON THE BRAZIL-BOLIVIA AND BRAZIL-ARGENTINA BORDERS

Abstract

This study seeks to analyze the challenges and strategies adopted by the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service in combating smuggling along border regions, highlighting the social, institutional, and economic impacts arising from this illicit practice. Given the increasing activity of transnational criminal organizations and the intensification of the illegal flow of goods, the research aimed to identify factors that in some way compromise customs enforcement, with an emphasis on limitations related to the use of surveillance technologies. The main objective is to understand how budgetary constraints, structural limitations, and especially the failure in system integration interfere with the performance of border control. The methodology adopted was qualitative in nature, with an exploratory and descriptive approach, based on bibliographic review, document analysis, and the collection of information from the Federal Revenue Service itself, allowing for a closer approximation of the reality of Brazilian borders. The results, although indicating advances in the use of technological resources such as drones, scanners, and artificial intelligence systems, show that operational obstacles persist, favoring the continuity of smuggling. Thus, it is concluded that addressing the phenomenon of smuggling does not depend solely on technological innovation, but also on institutional strengthening, infrastructure improvement, and the expansion of international cooperation, with the aim of ensuring the protection of the national economy, public security, and especially the sovereignty of the Brazilian State.