The Brazilian Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP), through its Cyber Operations Laboratory (CiberLab), coordinated the Operation 404.8 against digital piracy, with technical support from Component 3 of AL-INVEST Verde for intellectual property rights (IPR), AL-INVEST Verde IPR, implemented by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

This action was based on preliminary work carried out during a regional technical visit to Brasilia on 30 and 31 July. The visit consisted of a two-day joint operation aimed at combating online piracy networks. As a result of the coordinated effort of Operation 404.8, 535 illegal domains were blocked, 22 unauthorised streaming applications were removed, and 44 search and seizure warrants were executed against key operators distributing unlicensed digital content.

Operation 404 is one of the most significant global initiatives against copyright infringement on the Internet. Specifically, Operation 404.8 brought together enforcement authorities and rights holders from Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, together with the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) and the CyberGaeco unit of the São Paulo State Public Prosecutor's Office (MPSP).

Operation 404.8 reinforces AL-INVEST Verde IPR's commitment to intellectual property enforcement in Latin America, strengthening cooperation among countries in the region. Furthermore, the impact of this initiative transcends the operation itself, fostering collaborations that benefit other areas of intellectual property, such as the protection of pharmaceutical products and consumer goods.

Phase 2025 highlights the viability of Operation 404 as a sustainable and scalable model for law enforcement, bringing together public authorities and private sector actors in the fight against complex transnational crimes related to intellectual property.

About AL-INVEST Verde

AL-INVEST Verde is a European Union (EU) programme whose main objective is to promote sustainable growth and job creation in Latin America by supporting the transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient and more circular economy.  Through Component 3, AL-INVEST Verde IPR, led by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), the programme seeks to achieve greater use and effectiveness of intellectual property rights (IPR) in the region, particularly in the MERCOSUR countries, in order to boost opportunities for cooperation in research and stimulate competitiveness and sustainable innovation.