A bill, presented by Deputy General Pazuello (PL-RJ), proposes changes in the Penal Code to typify as a crime the extortion committed by informal vehicle keepers, known as flannel, on public roads.
The proposal, which is under analysis in the House of Representatives, provides for punishments for those who demand or charge compensation to store, park or watch outlets without authorization from the Government.
If approved, the crime may be punished with imprisonment of two to eight years, and a fine.
The measure also provides aggravating for specific situations.
The penalty will be increased from one third to half if the victim is a woman, elderly woman, disabled or accompanied by a child or adolescent.
In addition, punishment will be doubled if the crime involves implicit violence or indirect threat, creating situations of fear or embarrassment.
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According to the author of the project, the proposal seeks to combat extortive practices that have become common in several Brazilian cities, especially in areas of great flow, such as sights, beaches, stadiums and hospitals.
Deputy Pazuello argues that, although the activity of autonomous vehicle keeper and washer is regulated by Law 6.242/75, there are still legal gaps that allow the criminal exercise of the profession.
He points out that organized gangs often appropriate public spaces to extort drivers, charging abusive values under the veiled threat of damage to the vehicle or the physical integrity of the victim.
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“This extortionary conduct impairs citizens and compromises security in public places,” says the deputy.
The project will be submitted to the analysis of the Constitution and Justice and Citizenship Commission before going to a vote in the House Plenary. If approved by the deputies, the text will still need to go through the Senate to become law.
(With Agency Câmara)
