RIO DE JANEIRO SECURITY INCIDENTS – JULY MONTHLY BULLETIN

A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology has established a significant link between extreme heat waves and an increase in homicide rates in Brazil. Analyzing temperature records and homicide data from 510 micro-regions across the country between 2010 and 2019, the research found a 10.6% rise in homicides during periods when temperatures soared 5°C above the average for up to eight days. This groundbreaking study is the first to prove such a relationship in Brazil, a phenomenon previously observed in other nations. The findings indicate that certain demographics are disproportionately affected: homicide deaths among women increased by 15.3%, potentially linked to domestic violence, while those among individuals aged 60-69 saw a 16.7% rise, possibly due to greater exposure during outdoor activities. The study also noted that the North region exhibited the strongest correlation between heat and homicides. Researchers suggest that excessive heat, when combined with existing social factors such as inequality, limited state presence, criminality, and high humidity, can act as a potent catalyst for aggression, interpersonal conflicts, and opportunistic crimes. This comprehensive analysis provides robust evidence for the complex interplay between climate and public safety.

The Crime Map released on Monday (21/07), reveals that Bangu, Campo Grande, and Realengo account for more than half of mobile phone and vehicle thefts in Rio’s “root” West Zone.  In 2024, Bangu recorded 350 phone robberies (+67.1%), Campo Grande 288 (+27.4%), and Realengo 371 (+67.1%). For vehicle thefts, Campo Grande ranked 6th with 401 cases, Bangu 3rd with 491, and Realengo 7th with 385. Even neighborhoods with military installations, such as Vila Militar and Campo dos Afonsos, have seen sharp increases in assaults.

A surge in violence in Vicente de Carvalho, North Zone, has led to store closures and widespread fear among merchants. Between January and May 2025, robberies in the area increased by 16%, and business closures more than doubled compared to 2024, rising from 9 to 20. Shop owners report extortion by drug traffickers demanding payment to keep stores open, and some businesses have shut down permanently due to threats. Despite increased police presence, including armored vehicles, shootings remain frequent. Authorities urge residents to file reports to help identify criminal groups and target investigations.

Between January and July 2025, 31 military police officers were killed in the state of Rio de Janeiro — 19 off duty, 5 on duty, and 7 retired — already indicating that the final result will surpassing the total of 37 deaths recorded in all of 2024. According to data from the Instituto Fogo Cruzado, 28 of those killings occurred in the metropolitan region, marking a 64% increase compared to the 17 deaths in the first half of 2024. The number of officers shot and injured also rose by approximately 31% over the same period. The Capital Homicide Division (DHC) is investigating 21 of this year’s cases, including 9 robberies followed by death, 5 during operations, and 8 under other circumstances.

The state of Rio de Janeiro recorded the highest number of off-duty military police officers killed in Brazil, according to the Brazilian Public Security Yearbook. In 2024, 41 officers were murdered while off duty — accounting for 36.28% of the national total — due to homicide, robbery, armed confrontation, or bodily harm resulting in death. Although still high, the number is slightly lower than in 2023, when 45 officers were killed. Across the country, 113 off-duty military police officers were killed in 2024, with São Paulo ranking second with 13 deaths. So far in 2025, Rio has already recorded 19 such cases, including a recent incident in Vila Valqueire, where an officer was shot during an attempted robbery while off duty.

01/07/2025 – A driver was injured during a crossfire between military police officers and armed criminals in Tomás Coelho, North Zone, on Tuesday afternoon (1^st). The man, operating a kombi licensed by the city, was hit in the arm after two bullets struck his vehicle during a shootout on Estrada Adhemar Bebiano. The incident began when UPP officers from Complexo do Alemão were attacked by suspects in a vehicle, leading to a chase toward the Fazendinha community. The case is under investigation by the 21st Police Precinct (Bonsucesso).

01/07/2025 – On Tuesday (1^st), the Rio de Janeiro police conducted a large-scale operation called “Dia D” as part of “Operação Rastreio”, targeting cellphone theft, resulting in 102 arrests and the seizure of 1,462 devices in a single day. Since the operation began on May 3, authorities have made 207 arrests and recovered 3,796 phones. The action followed warnings sent via WhatsApp to over 3,000 individuals in possession of stolen phones, urging them to return the devices voluntarily or face prosecution for receiving stolen goods. The state also launched the Celular Seguro RJ app to help users check a phone’s legal status and aid investigations.

01/07/2025 – A woman considered one of the most notorious perpetrators of the “Boa Noite, Cinderela” scam in Rio de Janeiro was arrested early Tuesday (1^st) at Pedra do Sal, in the Saúde neighborhood, Central region of Rio. She was wanted in over ten criminal cases involving the drugging and robbery of victims. Her arrest was triggered by the disappearance of a French tourist, who was later found at a medical facility. He reported being drugged after meeting the suspect and having his belongings stolen. Based on his testimony, police from the Tourist Support Division (Deat) located and arrested the woman, fulfilling an outstanding warrant.

02/07/2025 – On Wednesday (02/07), a bar fight in Méier resulted in a couple being hospitalized. At Bartequim, on Rua Dias da Cruz, a public servant, Marcio da Silva Mello, 59, intervened in an argument involving the bar owner and a minor, leading to him being punched unconscious and kicked. His wife, Rosane Melo, 60, was also knocked down, suffering a fractured finger requiring surgery. The incident stemmed from a complaint about a delayed drink order.

08/07/2025 – On Tuesday (08/07), the Civil Police’s DRE launched “Operation Containment” targeting a violent criminal organization in Rio de Janeiro’s West Zone. The group, known as “Bonde dos Crias” or “Tropa do RD,” is an armed wing of the Comando Vermelho (CV) led by ex-militiaman Rodney Lima de Freitas, “RD.” They exploit communities like Barbante, Catiri, and Vila Kennedy, and the neighborhoods of Campo Grande, Santa Cruz, and Guaratiba. The operation aims to gather evidence, dismantle the group, and curb CV’s territorial expansion, as they are actively warring with paramilitaries and are investigated for homicides.

08/07/2025 – On Tuesday (08/07), retired Civil Police officer Alcino Luiz Costa Pereira was arrested by the Public Ministry (MPRJ) for leading a group that extorted money from illegal establishments. Pereira and five other civil police officers were charged with passive corruption for accepting bribes from brothels, illegal bingos, and junkyards between 2018 and 2022. This arrest is a development of “Operation Fim da Linha,” which previously targeted systemic corruption in specialized police stations and the illegal gambling mafia.

09/07/2025 – On Wednesday (09/07), the Rio de Janeiro Defraudations Police (DDEF), in “Operation False Portability,” arrested seven people for a consignment loan scam. This coordinated action with civil police from Acre, Minas Gerais, and Santa Catarina targeted a scheme that defrauded retirees and pensioners by inducing new loans under false pretenses of better conditions for existing debts. The gang, which moved around R$5 million, had a meticulous operation with defined roles. Six arrests occurred in Rio and one in Santa Catarina, with investigations ongoing.

09/07/2025 – On Wednesday (09/07), three buses were hijacked and used as barricades in Rio’s Complexo da Pedreira, amid intense shootouts reported by residents. While the vehicles were removed, several bus lines were impacted by diverted routes, according to Rio Ônibus. This incident brings the total to 67 buses seized by criminals in 2025. The Military Police (PM) confirmed their agents were attacked during patrol, leading to a confrontation, but reported no injuries or bus circulation interruptions.

10/07/2025 – On Thursday (10/07), the Civil Police’s Drug Enforcement Agency (DRE) launched an operation in Mesquita’s Chatuba community to combat the territorial expansion of the Comando Vermelho (CV). The action, stemming from a seven-month investigation into drug trafficking, extortion, and the presence of armed criminals, aimed to fulfill search and seizure warrants. During the operation, six individuals were arrested, two adolescents apprehended, and drugs were seized. The DRE’s ongoing efforts target the CV’s organized criminal structure and its exploitation of the local population.

10/07/2025 – On Thursday (10/07), “Operation Deep Hunt,” led by Goiás Civil Police with local support, targeted a cybercrime and money laundering organization across Goiás, Rio de Janeiro, and the Federal District. In Rio, around 06:00, a couple was arrested in a luxury penthouse in Barra da Tijuca for qualified theft and criminal association. The investigation revealed the gang acquired banking data on the dark web using cryptocurrencies. The operation involved 180 police officers, fulfilling 94 warrants, including arrests and searches, and seizing R$112 million in assets, 34 properties, and 12 luxury cars. The couple, who had been monitored for a week, was taken to Cidade da Polícia.

11/07/2025 – On Friday (11/07), Civil Police and Procon-RJ launched an operation targeting Equipe Tênis, an e-commerce company, for widespread fraud. Influencer Gabriele Santos Silva and her brother Douglas Santos Silva are under investigation for selling counterfeit, used, or undelivered shoes, defrauding around 100 victims nationwide. Gabriele was arrested for child abuse, as her 10-year-old son was found alone in unsanitary conditions. Authorities seized numerous credit cards, phones, notebooks, and watches. Both siblings face charges, are electronically monitored, and have had their assets and company websites blocked. Victims are urged to contact the Consumer Police Station.

11/07/2025 – On Friday (11/07) morning, three bodies were discovered inside a parked car on Rua Caviana, in Taquara. One victim was identified as Raphael da Silva Nascimento. Authorities are investigating if the black Peugeot was stolen and suspect the bodies were placed there, as the car had no bullet marks.

11/07/2025 – On Friday (11/07), a 21-year-old man with 86 prior police records, was again arrested following a pharmacy robbery in Ipanema on 29 June. Identified as the “biggest thief in Rio’s South Zone,” he was also linked to the June 24 invasion of an evangelical temple where intruders defecated and used Eucharistic table cloths to clean themselves. Maciel, who recently completed a prior sentence for extensive thefts, including a R$100,000 dental clinic robbery, accumulated multiple new charges in just 24 days of freedom before his latest capture.

11/07/2025 – On Friday (11/07), Sergeant Kelvyton de Oliveira Vale, 48, of the 41st BPM (Irajá), died after being shot in the head during an operation in Morro do Trem, Vila Kosmos, Rio’s North Zone. The veteran officer, who had served 24 years and had multiple previous bullet-related injuries, was fatally wounded during a confrontation and died upon arrival at Hospital Getúlio Vargas. The operation aimed to disrupt a criminal gang, recover stolen vehicles, fulfill arrest warrants, and remove barricades.

11/07/2025 – On Friday (11/07) afternoon, a Bope operation in Morro dos Macacos, Rio’s North Zone, led to intense shootouts, with residents reporting gunfire and drivers turning around in the Noel Rosa tunnel for safety. The operation aimed to curb criminal activity and resulted in the death of drug trafficker Pedro Paulo Lucas Adriano do Nascimento, “Titauro,” a former TCP member who migrated to CV and commanded invasions of the community. Police seized a rifle, ammunition, and a bulletproof vest from him. Morro dos Macacos is a strategic location, frequently disputed by CV and TCP factions.

11/07/2025 – On Friday (11/07), Anderson de Castro Dias, a 51-year-old Brazilian Air Force (FAB) warrant officer and nurse, was shot and killed in an attempted robbery on Avenida Brasil, near Coelho Neto. He was reportedly returning from duty to his home in Itaguaí when intercepted by criminals. Dias, who seemingly reacted, was shot inside his car. Military Police later found him at Hospital Albert Schweitzer, where he succumbed to his injuries. The Capital Homicide Police Station (DHC) is investigating the case of the widely respected officer.

12/07/2025 – On Saturday (12/07), Vinicius Drumond, son of late “bicheiro” Luizinho Drumond and member of the “Santíssima Trindade” illegal gambling syndicate, was attacked on Avenida das Américas in Barra da Tijuca. His armored Porsche was shot more than 30 times. The attackers, in a similarly armored Honda HR-V with firing ports, fled, abandoning their vehicle before stealing another car and kidnapping its driver, who was later released. Police are investigating this attempted assassination, the death of Vinicius’s former manager, and his security guard’s murder, linking them to internal power struggles and an ongoing dispute with his former ally, Adilsinho. Drumond is also under investigation for oil theft and connections to a lawyer’s murder.

13/07/2025 – On Sunday (13/07), Thiago Lourenço Morgano, 36, was brutally murdered by his friend and roommate, Bruno Guimarães da Cunha Chagas, in São Carlos slum. Bruno confessed to stabbing Thiago during an argument, then committed an act of extreme cruelty by dismembering, cooking, and blending parts of his body in an attempt to conceal the crime. The horrific discovery was made by Thiago’s sister, who found his remains in a refrigerator. Bruno, who also worked with Thiago at a bakery, is now imprisoned as the Civil Police investigates the motive behind this exceptionally violent incident.

15/07/2025 – On Tuesday (15/07), 20 buses (15 municipal, 5 intermunicipal) were hijacked and had their keys stolen in Madureira, Rio de Janeiro’s North Zone, a day after an operation in Complexo da Serrinha. According to Rio Ônibus, 83 buses have been hijacked in 2025 so far, averaging 12 per month. The tension led to 15 bus lines deviating their routes, and Avenida Edgard Romero was closed, with vehicles used as barricades. This follows similar incidents, including three hijacked buses last week in Complexo da Pedreira and another on Monday in Costa Barros, all used as barricades during police operations. Four schools and two health clinics in Serrinha were also impacted.

15/07/2025 – On Tuesday (15/07) evening, a resident on the sixth floor of a building in Glória, South Zone, Rio, was startled awake to find an unidentified drone flying in his living room. The “intruder” fled when the lights were turned on. This unexpected incident has alarmed the condominium, which issued a warning to residents to keep curtains closed. The building manager, Carlos Correia, searched security footage but found no clues, though he mentioned rumors of drones being used for drug deliveries in Glória. The startled resident, a taxi driver, expressed his discomfort with the invasion of privacy, now keeping windows closed and relying on air conditioning. Legal experts advise reporting such “visits” to the police, as they constitute crimes of privacy violation and electronic invasion of domicile. Similar incidents of intrusive drone flights have been reported in other condominiums.

15/07/2025 – On Tuesday (15/07), Edson Batista dos Santos Filho, a former civil police officer, was arrested for international arms trafficking after surrendering at the 43rd Police Precinct (Guaratiba). He has since been transferred to the prison system. Batista dos Santos Filho, father of city councilman Willian Coelho, had previously been arrested in 2022 during “Operation Resina,” which targeted a criminal gang specializing in the theft of truck cargo. At that time, he was caught with an unregistered firearm, and authorities found USD 15,000 in cash and BRL 300,000 in checks at his home. Coelho stated his father’s current arrest relates to a 2013 case, and he surrendered voluntarily upon the sentence’s publication.

16/07/2025 – On Wednesday (16/07), the Military Police concluded an operation in Rio’s Complexo da Serrinha, Madureira, resulting in two deaths and five arrests. The action began Tuesday with a violent protest where 21 buses were hijacked by traffickers, blocking Avenida Edgard Romero. Authorities seized two rifles and 10 homemade grenades, also removing nine tons of barricade material. The two deceased were TCP faction members. The operation significantly impacted 25 bus lines, suspended BRT services, and closed four municipal schools.

16/07/2025 – On Wednesday (16/07) evening, a new clash erupted between rival Comando Vermelho (CV) and Terceiro Comando Puro (TCP) drug traffickers in a wooded area high up in the Morro dos Macacos, Vila Isabel, North Zone. Military Police (PM) responded to reports of gunfire, but suspects fled before their arrival. No injuries were reported, and policing remains reinforced in the area. This ongoing conflict for control of Morro dos Macacos, currently dominated by CV, has been active for at least six months.

16/07/2025 – On Wednesday (16/07), Military Police Corporal Carlos Eduardo de Souza, 44th BPM (São Cristóvão), was fatally shot during an off-duty robbery in São Cristóvão, North Zone, Rio. He was approached near Quinta da Boa Vista when he reacted. One suspect was arrested for aggravated robbery (latrocínio) and taken to the 17th DP (São Cristóvão). During the incident, another individual’s motorcycle was stolen as they sought cover; the vehicle was recovered, and the driver was arrested for receiving stolen goods. A second motorcycle, used in the robbery, was also seized. Corporal Souza was taken to Hospital Souza Aguiar but succumbed to his injuries. He is the 25th PM killed violently in Rio state this year, with 15 off-duty deaths.

17/07/2025 – The Rio Civil Police has initiated “Operação Rastreio,” contacting owners of recovered cell phones for their return. Victims of theft or robbery are being notified via official police phone calls or WhatsApp messages regarding the date, time, and location for pickup, with restitutions set to occur this month. Deliveries will take place at Cidade da Polícia in the North Zone for the capital, specific DPs for the Metropolitan Region, and local district police stations for the interior. Since its launch in May, Operação Rastreio has seized over 4,700 stolen or robbed cell phones, with approximately 1,400 being returned in this phase. The remaining devices are undergoing forensics to locate their rightful owners. Previously, around 3,000 individuals found with illicitly obtained phones were given 72 hours to return them, with about 1,000 complying voluntarily. Those who did not are now under investigation for receiving stolen goods, and over 260 arrests have already been made. Additionally, the “Celular Seguro RJ” app was launched on July 1st, allowing IMEI registration and restriction checks to combat the entire criminal chain, and consumers are urged to buy from reputable sources and demand invoices.

17/07/2025 – On Thursday (17/07), the Rio Civil Police launched “Operação Caminhos do Cobre” in Complexo da Pedreira, North Zone, targeting the region’s main clandestine junkyard. Ten people were arrested, and ten tons of irregular metallic material, including copper wires stolen from energy, transport, and telecom companies, along with parts from stolen vehicles and cargo, were seized. The junkyard, managed by two brothers with criminal records and ties to local drug traffickers, is considered the primary hub for receiving stolen materials. The operation, involving multiple specialized delegations, also affected 20 municipal schools and a health unit, which suspended activities.

17/07/2025 – On Thursday (17/07) afternoon, Leonardo Lopes Bastos, 45, was executed by gunfire in Irajá, North Zone, Rio. While driving on Avenida Monsenhor Félix, near Rua Guiraréia, a man on the back of a motorcycle opened fire on his car. Two other individuals were targeted, with one being struck and taken to Hospital Salgado Filho in Méier; their condition is currently unknown. Military Police from the 41st BPM responded, and witnesses identified Leonardo as the owner of an internet company operating in Irajá. Homicide Police (DHC) are investigating to identify the perpetrators.

18/07/2025 – On Friday (18/07) morning, Rio de Janeiro Civil Police, in a joint operation with Pará Civil Police, arrested Cleiton Nonato Leal Brito, a suspected leader of the Comando Vermelho (CV) drug trafficking faction in Belém, Pará. Brito, who was hiding in the Morro do Fallet in central Rio, was targeted by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DRE) and the Special Resources Coordination (Core). Upon the police’s arrival at Fallet, traffickers opened fire on agents, but no injuries were reported. Brito, who has a criminal record for homicide and robbery and was subject to an open arrest warrant for being part of a criminal organization, was taken to Cidade da Polícia for processing. He will then be transferred to Benfica Prison for a custody hearing.

18/07/2025 – On Friday (18/07), the Federal Police arrested a man at a post office in Barra da Tijuca, West Zone, as he attempted to send 81 packages containing counterfeit Brazilian currency. A total of R$80,000 in fake R$20, R$50, R$100, and R$200 bills was seized. The investigation, led by the Federal Crimes Division (Delefaz/RJ), revealed that the parcels were destined for various cities across Brazil.

21/07/2025 – On Monday (21/07), a clash between police and drug traffickers spread terror in Praça Seca, West Zone. Barricades were set on fire after armed men from the Bateau Mouche favela attacked officers, triggering a shootout that left one dead and three injured, including the local Red Command leader. Three rifles and one handgun were seized. The gunfight disrupted five BRT lines and led to a temporary suspension of service.

21/07/2025 – On Monday (21/07), a decomposing body was found floating in the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, South Zone, by rowers from the Botafogo club. The victim, a man around 40 years old, remains unidentified and was retrieved near the Clube dos Caiçaras. This is the second body found in the lagoon within a week, following the discovery of a homeless man on 15 July. A third body was also found on 25 June at Praia Vermelha, in Urca. The 15th Police Precinct (Gávea) is investigating.

21/07/2025 – Police confirmed that Sergeant Gabriel Guimarães Sá Izau, found dead in an abandoned car in Duque de Caxias on Monday (21/07), had been killed the previous day during a shootout with drug traffickers in Vila do João, part of the Maré complex. According to the investigation, the officer entered the favela alone by car and opened fire, though the motive remains unknown. A 21-year-old man, Robson Freire da Silva, who was not involved with drug trafficking, was also killed in the crossfire. The officer was a member of the Shock Battalion.

21/07/2025 – On Monday (21/07), a cargo robbery attempt on the Presidente Dutra Highway near Irajá, North Zone, ended in a shootout and one arrest. Federal Highway Police and a security escort intervened near the Trevo das Margaridas, confronting the suspects and halting traffic. A video shared online shows officers engaging the criminals. One man, reportedly from the Chapadão Complex — an area controlled by the Red Command — was arrested with a fake gun. His accomplices managed to flee after the exchange of fire. No injuries were reported.

21/07/2025 – On Monday (21/07), in Laranjeiras, South Zone, a 20-year-old delivery worker, Antônio de Pádua Nogueira, was slapped in the face by a gun-wielding penal officer, Marcelo Oliveira, despite fully complying with his orders. Security camera footage shows the officer threatening him with a firearm, forcing him to drop his bag, lift his shirt, and raise his arms before assaulting him. The incident sparked outrage, leading to a protest by fellow couriers outside the officer’s building. The state prison administration (Seap) internal affairs division is handling the case.

22/07/2025 – On Tuesday (22/07), a Rio de Janeiro court issued a preventive arrest warrant for rapper Oruam, accused of obstructing the arrest of a wanted minor involved in robbery and drug trafficking. According to police, the artist resisted officers outside his home in Joá, Zona Oeste, threw stones at them, and helped the suspect escape. He is charged with seven crimes, including drug trafficking, resisting arrest, and assault. Following the incident, Oruam posted videos from the Complexo da Penha taunting police. This is not his first legal issue—he was arrested earlier this year for harboring a fugitive and is linked to criminal figures, including his father, Marcinho VP.

22/07/2025 – On Tuesday night (22/07), police from the Mangueira UPP thwarted a cargo theft worth R$220,000 on Rua São Luiz Gonzaga, in São Cristóvão, North Zone. Officers spotted a truck being escorted by two motorcycles and intervened. The suspects fled, and the full shipment of lubricant oil was recovered. Earlier that day, another attempted cargo robbery—of food valued at R$95,000—was also foiled on Avenida Brasil, though the suspects again escaped. Both cases are under investigation.

22/07/2025 – On Tuesday (22/07), Gizelle Lucena, 31, was shot in the head during a robbery at Bar do Búfalo on Rua Rio da Prata, in Bangu, West Zone. An armed man assaulted a customer, fired his weapon during a struggle, and struck Gizelle, who was at the restaurant with her husband and two-month-old baby. The 34th DP is investigating the case.

22/07/2025 – On Tuesday (22/07), a man was arrested in Bonsucesso, North Zone, after retrieving three international packages containing illegal rifle accessories from a Correios agency. The operation, conducted by the Federal Police and the Federal Revenue Service, uncovered four flash suppressors, two scopes, and two laser sights imported from China. Authorities believe the items were intended for organized crime groups operating nearby.

23/07/2025 – On Wednesday (23/07), a Military Police operation in the Complexo da Maré, North Zone, triggered intense shootouts and the burning of barricades. Armed criminals opened fire on police in Vila dos Pinheiros around 5:00, leaving one suspect injured and hospitalized. Officers seized a rifle, two pistols, and ammunition, and discovered a drug lab containing over 30 kg of cocaine and equipment for drug packaging.

23/07/2025 – On Wednesday morning (23/07), police launched an operation in the Primavera community of Cavalcanti, North Zone, targeting a vehicle theft gang. The area, controlled by the Third Pure Command (TCP), serves as a base for car theft and dismantling. One man was arrested, ten stolen vehicles recovered, and a cannabis greenhouse was found. The action is part of the second phase of Operation Torniquete, which has so far led to over 550 arrests and R$38 million in recovered goods, alongside R$70 million in blocked assets.

23/07/2025 – On Wednesday (23/07), off-duty military police officer Tulio de Siqueira Maia was shot and killed during a suspected attempted robbery as he exited a McDonald’s in Vila Valqueire, West Zone. Witnesses say he was approached by a man on a motorcycle and was shot in the head after reportedly reacting. Tulio was the 30th PM officer killed in Rio this year. The Capital Homicide Division is investigating.

23/07/2025 – On Wednesday morning (23/07), in Tijuca, North Zone, 44-year-old physiotherapist Mariela Amado Vieira was killed by her husband in the garage of their apartment building on Rua Conde de Bonfim. According to initial police findings, the husband strangled her and then shot himself. The couple had two children and no prior reports of violence, though neighbors mentioned a possible divorce. The case is being investigated as a femicide followed by suicide.

23/07/2025 – Despite a more discreet approach, suspicious mobile phones continue to be sold on Rua Uruguaiana, in downtown Rio de Janeiro — the city’s top neighborhood for cellphone thefts. On Wednesday (23/07), reporters witnessed street vendors offering devices like the Samsung S-23 for up to R$800 below retail prices, often just steps from the Uruguaiana camelódromo. Although these phones are no longer openly displayed in stalls, vendors still approach passersby to advertise phones and even black-market medications. Since May 2025, nearly 5,000 stolen or lost phones have been recovered during the ongoing “Operação Rastreio,” with 1,400 returned to their owners just on Tuesday (22/07).

23/07/2025 – On Wednesday (23/07), the Military Police dismantled a cocaine refinery in the Complexo da Maré, North Zone, during a major operation targeting areas controlled by the Third Pure Command (TCP) faction. The raid spanned five communities and involved heavy gunfire between police and traffickers, resulting in one resident being wounded by a stray bullet and hospitalized. Officers seized 30 kilograms of cocaine, a machine for packing the drug, a marijuana grow house with 300 plants, and a car chop shop with parts from at least ten vehicles. The operation involved multiple elite police units and aimed to capture criminals from other states involved in local turf wars.

24/07/2025 – On Thursday (24/07), police from the 15th DP (Gávea) and the 23rd BPM (Leblon) arrested members of a gang responsible for stealing 130 pickup trucks in Rio’s South Zone and Barra da Tijuca between January and May 2025. The vehicles were taken to gang-controlled areas to be cloned and sent to other states or countries, including Paraguay, where they were traded for weapons, ammunition, and drugs. Two suspects, Adriano Souza de Maria and Rafael Nunes, were detained along with a minor. Tools and key-decoding equipment were seized, and the investigation continues as other gang members remain at large.

25/07/2025 – On Friday (25/07), a man was arrested in downtown Rio de Janeiro for taking part in a real estate scam targeting vulnerable people. The group lured victims with promises of easy home ownership, then vanished with the down payment. They reposted ads from digital platforms, changed contact info to their WhatsApp numbers, and used a rented coworking space to appear legitimate. One victim paid R$5,600 upfront for a house in Cosmos, unaware that the real owners were not involved. Leandro da Silva was caught red-handed.

25/07/2025 – On Friday (25/07), eight employees of major transport companies were arrested in Rio de Janeiro during Operation Torniquete for facilitating cargo thefts. According to the Civil Police, the suspects leaked privileged information about routes and valuable shipments to criminals tied to rival gangs in the Maré complex. Over the past year, the scheme enabled at least 11 targeted robberies, with losses reaching R$3 million. The arrested workers held internal roles such as supervisors, drivers, and assistants.

26/07/2025 – On Saturday (26/07), police arrested a man in an apartment on Avenida Princesa Isabel, Copacabana, on suspicion of operating a cyber scam center. According to investigators, he used clandestine equipment to send fake SMS messages with fraudulent links, tricking victims into giving access to their mobile devices. The operation was conducted jointly with Anatel. Authorities seized the equipment and will now focus on identifying victims and other members of the criminal network.

26/07/2025 – On Saturday night (26/07), a woman was shot during a shootout between drug traffickers and militiamen in Jardim Bangu, West Zone. According to witnesses, members of the Red Command tried to invade the area controlled by militiamen, triggering a confrontation. The victim, who was standing on the sidewalk during a party, was hit near the collarbone. Residents report enduring similar clashes for years due to territorial disputes in the region.

26/07/2025 – On Saturday (26/07), military police from BPTur seized six 9mm submachine guns, 21 magazines, five scopes, and eight tripods at the Novo Rio Bus Terminal. The weapons were being transported by a passenger who was intercepted while attempting to board a bus. According to authorities, the arsenal originated from the Complexo do Alemão and was destined for Fortaleza, Ceará. The man was arrested.

26/07/2025 – A man was arrested for attempted femicide after stabbing his ex-girlfriend in front of her child on Saturday (26/07) in Taquara, West Zone. The attack occurred on Estrada Rodrigues Caldas, near Taquara Plaza Shopping. According to police, the suspect, who allegedly did not accept the end of the relationship, fled after the assault but was detained and beaten by bystanders.

28/07/2025 – A former military police officer was shot early Monday morning (28/07) in front of a nightclub in Anil, Jacarepaguá, West Zone. Armed men reportedly pulled up beside his car on Estrada de Jacarepaguá and fired over 15 shots. The victim was hit in the torso and arm. At least ten 9mm shell casings were found inside the vehicle. The case is under investigation by the 32nd Police Precinct (Taquara).

28/07/2025 – A van driver was shot during a traffic dispute around 5:00 on Monday (28/07) on Avenida Cesário de Melo, in Paciência, West Zone. Witnesses said the altercation began after a collision between vehicles, during which the suspect, reportedly intoxicated, fired at the victim. The driver, known as Capoeira, was taken to Pedro II Municipal Hospital. The suspect fled, and the case is under investigation by the Civil Police. Colleagues later held a peaceful protest demanding justice and improved safety for transport workers.

28/07/2025 – A 37-year-old man was arrested on Monday (28/07) after stealing an elderly man’s backpack during a service at the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God in Del Castilho, North Zone. Caught in the act by an off-duty military police officer attending the service, the suspect was located shortly after by Segurança Presente agents near Avenida Dom Hélder Câmara. He was found carrying six wallets, six ID cards, four bank cards, a phone, a pair of scissors, a Swiss army knife, a Phillips screwdriver, and two lighters.

28/07/2025 – A security guard was caught stealing parcels containing electronic equipment at the Correios building on Avenida Presidente Vargas, in downtown Rio, and was arrested in the act by the Federal Police on Monday morning (28/07). Inside his car, agents found stolen items including tablets, cell phones, a computer monitor, a speaker, and two bottles of perfume, as well as a .40 caliber pistol, ammunition, and packaging remains. The suspect had been under surveillance by federal agents and Correios’ internal security.

29/07/2025 – On Tuesday (29/07), Rio’s Civil Police seized three stolen and cloned vehicles used by militiamen in a convoy filmed by a drone in the Catiri community, West Zone, where the armed group had passed in front of Military Police officers without being stopped. The cars were found in a warehouse used as a militia depot, along with a carbine rifle. Investigations continue into the structure and finances of the group. The day before, four suspects had been arrested in Curicica, including three seen in the drone footage and one identified as the militia’s second-in-command in Dois Irmãos. Police also recovered four rifles. Authorities link the Curicica militia to imprisoned leaders “Boto” and “Cara de Ferro” and suspect ties to the Red Command faction.

29/07/2025 – A criminal fire devastated a large area of vegetation along Estrada do Rio Morto in Vargem Grande, West Zone, during the night of 29 and 30 July. The blaze lasted nearly nine hours and required over 30 firefighters to be brought under control. According to the police, the fire was intentionally set to clear land for illegal construction. The investigation targets militiamen and traffickers from the Third Pure Command (TCP), suspected of illegally occupying the area, particularly near the Pombo Sem Asa favela. The Environmental Crimes Division (DPMA) is leading the inquiry.

30/07/2025 – On Wednesday (30/07), a military police officer was arrested while driving a cloned SUV used in a militia convoy filmed by a drone in the Catiri community, in Bangu, West Zone. He was transporting an arsenal from the Maré favela to Catiri, including four pistols, a submachine gun, and ammunition. According to the organized crime unit Draco, the arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into the territorial war between local militias (allied with the TCP gang) and the Red Command.

30/07/2025 – A man wanted for child rape was arrested on Wednesday (30/07) at Galeão International Airport. Federal police apprehended him as he disembarked from a flight from Porto Alegre. The arrest fulfilled a preventive detention warrant issued by the Domestic and Family Violence Court of the Santa Catarina State Court. He was transferred to the state prison system and will remain in custody pending trial.

31/07/2025 – On Thursday (31/07), Rio de Janeiro’s Civil Police launched an operation in the Manguinhos community, in the North Zone, targeting a base allegedly used by cargo thieves and drug traffickers. During the action, three people were shot. Three suspects were arrested, and two rifles were seized. The operation is part of “Operação Torniquete,” led by the 21st Police Precinct (Bonsucesso), aimed at cracking down on cargo and vehicle theft that funds criminal factions.

TRENDS & ADVICE

• Mass robberies and thefts in tourist spots are some of the most notorious security risks in Rio de Janeiro, especially in the city’s South Zone.
• When moving through crowded places and their vicinities, visitors should be cautious and refrain from exposing valuables.
• Avoid any display of wealth (jewelry, cell phones), but always carry a small amount of money (R$50) to hand over to muggers.
  • In case of robbery: cooperate, do not try to run after the assailant as he or she might not be alone or turn violent.
• Rio is famous for its favelas, and most are affected by the presence of gangs. Disputes for territory between rivals and police operations lead to gunfights. Therefore, these locations should never be visited.
  • Shootouts may also occur outside such communities, in this case:
    • Lay on the ground and seek cover behind a solid object, such as the engine block.
    • When it is safe to do so, find the nearest building, stay away from any windows, and do not move unless you are sure that the gunfire has ended.
• Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas or beaches after nightfall. Avoid walking/biking through tunnels, especially Túnel do Leme.
• As sexual aggressions are on the rise, women should pay special attention to the environments where they go alone and avoid empty and dark places.
• During a night out, never accept offers of food and beverages from strangers, and pay attention to yours, as they can add drugs to them.
  • Men and women alike are targets of such crimes.
• Be always cautious, even in the areas considered safe, such as Downtown, Botafogo, Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, and Barra da Tijuca.
  • Exercise caution in the Centro (downtown) during the day and avoid the area after nightfall and during the weekends, as it is relatively deserted during such periods.
• Be careful when using the GPS, as it may lead you to unsafe areas controlled by organized crime.
  • Remain on the main streets and roads and avoid the rush hours.
  Keep your windows closed.
  • Prefer cooperative taxis instead of driving yourself or using a ride-sharing App.
• Stay away from any protests that normally occur in Av. Presidente Vargas, Av. Rio Branco, Praça da Cinelândia, and Av. Atlântica.
• Attention to scams that may reach you through a WhatsApp message, e-mail, SMS, or a call.
• Keep in mind useful numbers: Emergency police number (190), and Rio de Janeiro tourist Police. Phone: (21) 2332-7949