As the capital of major events in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro offers an abundance of entertainment options, especially during the summer and Carnival seasons. However, even in closed venues, festivities have been overshadowed by gangs specializing in cell phone theft. Over the weekend (08 and 09/02), social media was flooded with reports from victims who lost their devices at the Anitta Rehearsals event at Marina da Glória, in the South Zone. The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro acknowledge the presence of these criminal groups, while the Military Police have released a video offering guidance to the public on how to protect themselves.
This Content Is Only For Subscribers
To unlock this content, subscribe to INTERLIRA Reports.
Two People Arrested
During Anitta’s show, Tatiane Queren Ferreira and Alessandro dos Santos Chaves were arrested in possession of 20 stolen cell phones, according to police reports. The stolen devices were taken to the 9th Police Precinct (Catete), where authorities confirmed that at least 40 phones had been stolen during the event. The recovered devices are now being returned to their rightful owners.
Specialized Gangs Operating at Events
Detective Rafael Barcia, head of the 9th Police Precinct (Catete), confirms that it is common for international criminal groups to steal cell phones at large events in the city. He notes that several gangs specialize in this type of theft, with some criminals even traveling from outside Brazil specifically to target high-attendance gatherings. At Rock in Rio 2022, for example, the Civil Police arrested a group of Colombians involved in cell phone theft. These gangs use distraction tactics, such as staging fights to draw people’s attention while accomplices swiftly steal valuables. The police are currently investigating the activities of multiple groups, including suspects from São Paulo, Goiânia, Colombia, and Peru.
Increase in Robberies and Thefts
The city of Rio de Janeiro has experienced a 40% surge in cell phone robberies, according to the Public Security Institute (ISP). In 2024, 14,326 cases were recorded, compared to 10,226 in 2023. Reports of theft also increased by 12%, rising from 26,262 cases in 2023 to 29,422 in 2024. It is important to distinguish between robbery, which involves the use of violence or threats, and theft, where the crime occurs without confrontation with the victim.
Military Police Tips
Responsible for policing the blocks that parade during this year’s carnival, the Military Police published a video in which they give safety tips to revelers who go to the blocks during the carnival. The first piece of advice is to only take what is necessary and not put cell phones or money in your pockets, as they could fall on the ground and be stolen. The military police officer then states that necklaces, rings, wedding rings, and bracelets should be kept away from the festivities, as well as a lot of cash. When using a cell phone, you can never be too careful. Partygoers should look for a quieter place to use their devices, always keeping an eye on what is happening around them.
Analysis:
The surge in cell phone thefts and robberies at large events in Rio de Janeiro highlights a growing challenge for public security. Criminal groups, often highly organized and operating with international connections, have adapted their methods to target crowded venues, taking advantage of the difficulty in monitoring such spaces effectively. The fact that some of these gangs are composed of foreign criminals, as seen in past operations at events like Rock in Rio, suggests that Rio de Janeiro has become a strategic hub for this type of crime. The lucrative resale market for stolen devices, both domestically and abroad, fuels this illicit activity, making it a persistent issue that requires stronger preventive measures.
The Military Police’s release of a video with safety recommendations is a step in the right direction, but individual precautions alone are insufficient when facing well-coordinated theft rings. Additionally, improving collaboration between security forces, event organizers, and telecommunications companies could facilitate faster tracking and deactivation of stolen devices, discouraging their resale.
