GAECO Prosecutor Lincoln Gakiya Says He Would Accept Lula’s Security Ministry Post

Brazil’s federal architecture for combating organized crime faces a potential structural shakeup as prosecutor Lincoln Gakiya confirms readiness to step into a cabinet-level role under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s upcoming fourth administration.

A Cabinet Post Tailored for an Organized Crime Specialist

Speaking on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, the São Paulo prosecution official stated that he would willingly accept an invitation to lead the anticipated Ministry of Public Security, a cabinet position promised by Lula for his next term. The prosecutor views the prospect as a distinct honor to contribute to national law enforcement. While formal invitations have yet to be extended, the inclusion of Gakiya’s name signals a pivot toward technical expertise.

The proposed ministry is designed to strip security duties away from the Ministry of Justice, establishing an independent portfolio dedicated entirely to public safety. This institutional realignment hinges directly on the passage of the Public Security Constitutional Amendment Proposal, known as the PEC da Segurança Pública. The proposed amendment is built to allow the federal government to have responsibility in public security, not just the states.

Photo: UOL

Gakiya’s credentials in this arena are hard-won. Back in 2019, Gakiya pushed forward the transfer of syndicate kingpin Marcos Willians Herbas Camacho, better known as Marcola, alongside 21 other faction leaders to federal penitentiaries. That decisive move subjected him to enduring high-level security details and multiple uncovered assassination plots.

Weighing Contenders for the Esplanada dos Ministérios

The race to helm the prospective security portfolio involves competing political heavyweights and administrative insiders. Alongside Gakiya, political circles have floated the names of Camilo Santana and Rui Costa, both former governors of Ceará and Bahia, respectively, noted within the PT for maintaining a tougher rhetoric on crime and holding close ties to the president. Other figures circulating through internal discussions include National Public Security Chico Lucas and Federal Police Director-General Andrei Rodrigues.

Despite the array of potential candidates, Gakiya’s background brings technical gravity to the administration’s security discourse. His involvement extends past regional casework; in 2025, he contributed to drafting the text of the bill that originated the Anti-Faction Law. Yet, his perspective on international designations diverges from foreign approaches. Earlier in 2026, he publicly criticized the decision of the United States to classify both the PCC and the Comando Vermelho as terrorist organizations, warning that such categorization could affect the Brazilian financial system and hinder the sharing of information between countries.

Photo: CNN Brasil

Precedents and Political Alignments

Not only is Gakiya a prominent prosecutor considered for federal leadership, but the structure has seen prosecutorial appointments before; Mário Sarrubbo previously led the National Secretariat for Public Security under Ricardo Lewandowski. Presidential contenders have also eyed Gakiya’s expertise, with PSD presidential candidate Ronaldo Caiado stating in August that he would appoint Gakiya to head public security if elected. Meanwhile, within Lula’s alliance, Camilo Santana emerges as a candidate for the security portfolio in a cabinet configuration where Fernando Haddad would take over the Chief of Staff office.

Whether the fourth Lula administration ultimately issues a formal summons to the prosecutor remains an open question. As the legislative calendar winds down and budget allocations for the new ministry are weighed, the administration must decide whether to anchor its flagship security initiative in partisan administrative loyalty or prosecutorial pedigree.