BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) Brazil Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo is downplaying an alleged threat by the country's largest organized crime group to launch attacks during the 2014 World Cup.
Rebelo told local media Wednesday that he fully trusts Brazil's security forces and doesn't believe "a criminal organization can threaten an event such as the World Cup."
An unsourced report by the major daily Estado de S. Paulo said Tuesday that leaders of the crime group were heard in wire tapped conversations saying that in 2014 they would order a "World Cup of terror" if their incarcerated leaders are submitted to tougher prison conditions.
Rebelo said Brazil's security forces have the "strength" needed to make sure Brazil safely hosts football's showcase event.
Police didn't immediately answer a request for comment on the alleged threat.
