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RIO DE JANEIRO _ In Rio's bustling commercial district, the latest computer software, the hottest samba music CDs and even DVDs of the biggest blockbuster films can all be had for about $2.50 each from street vendors.
In this open illegal trade, a vendor named Marcos guarantees he has the best deals at prices that can only be described as too good to be true. He openly operates on a main downtown street even as several military police officers stand only a half-block away.
"If you have any problems, just call," said the 25-year-old, handing out a business card.
Industry officials say vendors like Marcos are a microcosm of a growing economic cancer in Brazil, where the underground economy is progressively eating away at the official one, costing the government…