ABIN celebrates its 10th anniversary

On December 9, 2009, the Brazilian Intelligence Agency celebrated its 10th anniversary. The date marks the signing of Law nº 9883/99, which created the Brazilian Intelligence System and designated ABIN as the central department for Intelligence sharing at the federal level.

Upon its creation, ABIN was composed of approximately 1000 employees originating from previous intelligence departments and agencies. Today, there are practically 2000 professionals, most of whom have been selected by public entrance exams in the last 10 years. In 2009 alone, 190 new employees were admitted through public entrance exams.

ABIN’s budget has also grown and, in 2009, approximately U$25 million were earmarked for Brazilian Intelligence. For 2010, the Annual Budget Bill proposes to increase it to U$30 million. Despite being a significant value, ABIN’s budget is still considered meager when compared to that of Intelligence Departments from other Latin American countries.

ABIN’s structure has also expanded and today there are regional offices in all 26 states of Brazil. In 2004, there were only 12. Besides local headquarters in all states, ABIN has a number of subunits in cities in the countryside and attaché offices in five countries in the Americas.

80 years of Brazilian Intelligence

Although the Brazilian Intelligence Agency is only 10 years old, State Intelligence in Brazil celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2007. The first State Intelligence Department was created during the administration of President Washington Luís in 1927.

To learn more about ABIN go to www.abin.gov.br