In 2025, Rio de Janeiro’s Disque Denúncia recorded over 135,000 anonymous reports, a 45.5% increase from the previous year, fueled by its return to 24-hour operations. Reports of violence against women surged by 52.4%, with 1,390 cases handled, including 565 related to rape and 81 concerning the violation of protective orders. The platform’s data led to 1,816 arrests, the seizure of 10 tons of drugs, and a significant doubling of confiscated rifles, which rose from 177 in 2024 to 369 in 2025.
In the first 11 days of 2026, the Rio de Janeiro Military Police seized 27 rifles across the state, averaging nearly two war-grade weapons per day. While operations in São Gonçalo and the Lagos Region remain productive, recent efforts have significantly intensified in the state’s interior. Notably, the 38th BPM in Três Rios recorded its first-ever rifle seizure since the battalion’s founding in 2003. This upward trend follows a record-breaking 2025, where nearly 850 rifles were removed from circulation—averaging one seizure every 10 hours statewide.
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In 2025, the Rio de Janeiro Military Police arrested 209 criminals from other states and countries, marking a 24% increase compared to 2024. These “outsiders,” primarily from the Comando Vermelho, seek refuge in complexes like Alemão and Penha, paying local bosses for protection and infrastructure to lead their gangs remotely. The data reveals that while most domestic arrests involved individuals from Minas Gerais and São Paulo, the 39 foreign nationals captured were led by Colombians and Chileans. Authorities highlight that these alliances allow criminals to export criminal expertise while using Rio as a strategic command hub.
According to 2025 data from the Public Security Institute (ISP) released this Friday (16), Rio de Janeiro averaged nearly 200 cell phone thefts per day, totaling over 72,000 cases. While vehicle and cargo robberies fell by up to 18%, police seized a record 920 rifles, a 26% increase from the previous year. Homicides remained stable, but deaths during police interventions rose by 13%, largely due to a massive October operation. Authorities are now intensifying specialized task forces to combat the mobile theft chain and high-caliber weaponry.
01/01/2026 – A French tourist was victimized by the theft of his cellphone during New Year’s Eve in Copacabana and subsequently targeted in an extortion plot where the criminal demanded R$ 1,500 for the device’s return. The victim faced continuous threats and harassment until January 4, 2026, when specialized tourism police (Deat) tracked the suspect to Nossa Senhora de Copacabana Avenue. There, officers caught the 25-year-old man in the act of making a fresh threat, leading to his immediate arrest and the successful recovery of the stolen phone.
02/01/2026 – On Friday evening (2), a 58-year-old bricklayer was struck by a stray bullet in the Nova Cidade community in the Inhoaíba neighborhood, West Zone. The victim was sitting by his front door when a confrontation between criminals broke out, and a projectile pierced his lung; he was rushed to Rocha Faria Municipal Hospital and underwent surgery but passed away on Sunday (4). A second unidentified man was also wounded in the same shooting, and local authorities are investigating the origin of the gunfire.
02/01/2025 – On Friday (2), a man was arrested in Sepetiba, West Zone, after being a fugitive for the 2021 torture of his one-year-old son. The child had been hospitalized with three broken ribs, internal injuries, and burns from a red-hot spoon after being kicked and stomped on by the perpetrator. Civil police tracked the man to a residence through digital monitoring, and he was taken into custody to serve a final sentence of four years and eight months in a closed regime.
04/01/2026 – On Sunday (4), a Military Police operation targeting the Cajueiro and Serrinha communities in Madureira resulted in the arrest of five suspects following an intense shootout. Officers from the 9th BPM (Rocha Miranda) were deployed to investigate reports of inter-faction fighting when they were met with gunfire. During the raid, police seized two rifles, ammunition, radio transmitters, and over 400 packages of marijuana and cocaine. Security remains heightened in the area to prevent further territorial disputes between rival gangs.
04/01/2026 – On Sunday morning (4), residents of Complexo do Chapadão faced high tension as Military Police officers from the 41st BPM (Irajá) carried out patrols to curb drug trafficking. Criminals from the Red Command faction set fire to trash bins on Chrisóstomo Pimentel de Oliveira Avenue to block police armored vehicles, creating thick clouds of smoke. Despite intense gunfire reported by locals, authorities cleared the barricades with no reported arrests or injuries. This area remains a volatile conflict zone due to ongoing territorial disputes between the Red Command and the rival Third Pure Command.
04/01/2026 – On Sunday (4), in Copacabana, South Zone, high-value commercial goods, including imported whiskey, were stolen from local supermarkets by four foreign nationals. Security footage captured two Argentine men and two Spanish women concealing various products in their bags across different establishments before they were intercepted. Following the thefts, civil police officers arrested the group as part of “Operation Counterstrike,” charging them with aggravated theft and notifying their respective consulates.
04/01/2026 – On Sunday (4), a 22-year-old woman died after being admitted to the Jardim Novo UPA in the Realengo neighborhood, North Zone, with signs of severe physical assault. The victim, identified as the daughter of a Military Police major, arrived at the health unit already deceased, prompting an immediate police response.
04/01/2026 – On Sunday afternoon (4), on Galeão Road on Ilha do Governador, a man was arrested in flagrante for operating as a fraudulent parking attendant near a local restaurant. Investigations by the 37th DP revealed that the suspect used severe threats to extort drivers into paying for public street parking and even intentionally damaged the vehicle of a motorist who refused his demands.
05/01/2026 – On Monday (5), on Major Ávila Street in the Tijuca neighborhood, North Zone, a man was arrested for breaking into and vandalizing the historical Leitão da Cunha Municipal School. The suspect, who has 14 prior theft convictions, attempted to steal a television, an air conditioner, and aluminum doors just weeks after the school reopened following a major fire. Local authorities intercepted the criminal during the early hours, recovering several stolen items and confirming that the school’s high-tech equipment was the likely target during the summer break.
05/01/2026 – On Monday afternoon (5), a woman was struck by a stray bullet at the Assaí Atacadista in Cordovil, located at the Trevo das Missões in North Rio. The victim was inside the supermarket when she was grazed by the projectile; she received immediate assistance from customers and staff before being transported to the hospital. The Civil Police are currently conducting investigations at the 38th Police Precinct.
05/01/2025 – On Monday (5), Detran RJ and the State Secretariat of Finance (Sefaz-RJ) issued a high-priority alert regarding sophisticated IPVA tax and traffic fine scams. Criminal organizations are utilizing fraudulent websites and sending fake email or SMS notifications to trick vehicle owners into paying counterfeit bank slips. Authorities emphasized that official fine notifications are sent exclusively by registered mail and IPVA payments must only be processed through the official Sefaz hotsite or Bradesco’s portal, warning that clicking fraudulent links can lead to both financial loss and data theft.
05/01/2026 – On Monday morning (5), in the the Tijuquinha community in Itanhangá, Southwest Zone, Military Police officers were met with heavy gunfire during a targeted operation. Agents from the 31st BPM (Recreio dos Bandeirantes) entered the neighborhood following reports of armed criminals and engaged in a confrontation with local suspects. Despite the exchange of fire, no arrests or injuries were reported, but police successfully seized a 5.56mm rifle, four radio transmitters, ammunition, and dozens of drug packages, subsequently referring the case to the 16th Police Precinct.
05/01/2026 – On Monday afternoon (5), an intense shootout between Military Police and criminals in the Complexo da Pedreira, in Pavuna, North Zone, left two suspects dead and one in custody. Officers from the 41st BPM (Irajá) were patrolling the North Rio community when they were ambushed, triggering a clash that required the deployment of armored vehicles. The two wounded suspects were transported to Carlos Chagas Hospital but succumbed to their injuries; following the confrontation, police seized two rifles, a pistol, and a significant quantity of drugs, processing the case at the 39th Police Precinct.
05/01/2026 – On Monday (5), two men were arrested in Barra da Tijuca, West Zone, for their involvement in a specialized criminal ring that stole luxury vehicles for drug traffickers in the Complexo da Maré. Officers from the 15th DP intercepted the suspects on Lúcio Costa Avenue as they attempted to break into a parked car using high-tech electronic decoders and key emulators. Investigations revealed that the gang received technical training from criminal factions to bypass security systems in under three minutes, selling the vehicles for up to R$ 20,000 to be exchanged for drugs and weapons or dismantled for parts.
06/01/2026 – On Tuesday (6), a man was arrested in Santa Cruz, West Zone, after being sentenced to over 52 years in prison for the sexual abuse of his two stepdaughters. The crimes occurred between 2010 and 2015, beginning when each girl was only 9 years old, and were kept secret through intimidation.
07/01/2026 – On Wednesday morning (7), a 28-year-old woman named Marcelly Lorrayne da Silva Passos was fatally stabbed by her ex-boyfriend near the Nilton Santos Stadium in Engenho de Dentro, North Rio. The attacker was shot and wounded by a retired security agent who witnessed the femicide and intervened. The suspect, who had reportedly called the victim’s father the previous day seeking reconciliation, was arrested by the 3rd BPM and remains in stable condition under police custody at a local hospital.
07/01/2026 – On Wednesday afternoon (7), police arrested a 31-year-old woman for posing as a federal tax agent to rob elderly residents in Tijuca. She targeted victims aged 80 to 90, falsely claiming they owed back taxes to enter their apartments and steal jewelry. Officers from the 6th BPM caught her mid-attempt at a residential building, recovering gold rings, necklaces, and pearls valued at approximately R$ 34,000.
07/01/2026 – On Wednesday (7), Civil Police arrested a 30-year-old man for attempted murder at a nightclub in Copacabana. The incident occurred on December 5, 2025, after the suspect reportedly became enraged when a Chilean man kissed his forehead during a friendly gesture. The attacker fired five shots at the victim, striking his chest, abdomen, and pelvis, and then assaulted a club employee to force his escape. He was identified after dropping his mobile phone at the scene while fleeing.
08/01/2026 – On Thursday morning (8), a massive operation involving 520 police officers and 11 armored vehicles targeted the Third Pure Command faction in Vila Aliança and Senador Camará (North Zone) to combat cargo and luxury car thefts. The action led to one detention and forced the closure of local health clinics and bus route diversions. Simultaneously, an intense shootout broke out in Morro do Turano after criminals attacked a police unit, with stray bullets reportedly hitting nearby residential apartments.
08/01/2026 – On Thursday (8), a man was executed in the Catiri community, Bangu, after his car was targeted by more than 20 gunshots. This attack occurred just one day after the arrest of a local Red Command leader accused of sabotaging electricity and internet services in the area. The region remains a violent “lawless land” due to ongoing territorial disputes between drug traffickers and militias, leaving residents to face constant shootouts and extortion.
08/01/2026 – On Thursday (8), a 31-year-old lawyer was arrested for the sixth time after stealing R$ 4,000 worth of imported champagne and whiskey from a supermarket in the South Zone. Despite being released from a similar arrest just a week earlier, she was caught on camera hiding bottles in her coat. With a wide history of theft and fraud, police are now seeking her preventive detention, noting she confessed to reselling the stolen goods.
09/01/2026 – On Friday (9), Civil Police officers discovered a clandestine cemetery in the Rio das Pedras community in western Rio. During the operation, agents recovered two bodies from an area known as Areal, which is reportedly used by local militias to execute victims and hide remains. One of the victims is suspected of being a 19-year-old motorcycle taxi driver who disappeared in October 2025 after being targeted by militiamen while visiting his girlfriend. Authorities believe at least 13 people have been killed and buried in the area since 2021.
09/01/2026 – On Friday (9), a 73-year-old woman was shot and killed after an off-duty Civil Police officer accidentally entered the Parada de Lucas community in North Rio while fleeing a robbery. The officer, who was traveling on a motorcycle with an Air Force member, was intercepted and assaulted by armed traffickers on Rua Lírio Maurício da Fonseca. Military Police launched a rescue operation, triggering a shootout during which the victim was struck while walking to a bus stop; she later died at a local hospital. The confrontation also forced the suspension of a regional train line.
09/01/2026 – On Friday night (9), an armed assailant was killed during an attempted robbery of an off-duty Civil Police commissioner in Flamengo, South Rio. The suspect, who was riding a stolen motorcycle, intercepted the officer on Rua São Salvador, but the victim reacted, leading to an exchange of gunfire. The wounded attacker was taken to Souza Aguiar Hospital under custody but did not survive his injuries. Authorities seized a pistol and the motorcycle.
09/01/2026 – On Friday (9), the Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro launched “Operation Contra Golpe” to dismantle a criminal network specialized in defrauding the elderly through virtual scams. Investigators executed 17 search and seizure warrants and several arrests across the West Zone and Baixada Fluminense, targeting a group that obtained victims’ personal data to open bank accounts and secure unauthorized loans. The operation primarily targeted a couple linked to over 80 fraud reports and the theft of more than R$ 500,000. Additionally, police are investigating a private company suspected of illegally selling sensitive client data to the gang to facilitate the crimes.
09/01/2026 – On Friday morning (9), a shootout at the exit of the Santa Bárbara Tunnel in central Rio de Janeiro, at the division with the Laranjeiras neighborhood, left two men dead. The confrontation began when individuals in a car and on a motorcycle exchanged fire and subsequently targeted a passing Military Police patrol, which returned fire. One suspect died at the scene, while the second died en route to the hospital; police recovered a firearm and a knife from the suspects.
10/01/2026 – On Saturday night (10), a 10-year-old girl was killed and her mother critically injured after being struck by a car in the Fallet-Fogueteiro community in the Catumbi neighborhood, North Zone. The driver, who was traveling at high speed and under the influence of alcohol, lost control while descending a hill and hit three people sitting near a concrete bench. After the crash, the driver was assaulted by angry residents before being arrested for vehicular homicide and serious bodily injury. Forensic tests confirmed alcohol consumption, and police have requested that his arrest be converted to preventive detention due to the gravity of his reckless conduct.
10-11/01/2026 – During the weekend of January 10 and 11, 2026, the Rio de Janeiro Municipal Guard issued over 4,000 traffic fines and towed 31 vehicles during a massive enforcement operation along the city’s coastline. In addition to traffic penalties, officials seized nearly 1,000 items, including beach gear and sound systems, as well as 50 knives and a replica firearm. The operation also resulted in the arrest of a motorcyclist with three prior offenses who fell off his bike while driving drunk and without a license. These actions are part of the ongoing “Summer Operation” aimed at maintaining urban order and public safety during the peak season.
10/01/2026 – On Saturday (10), a 40-year-old woman was a victim of sexual harassment inside a bus traveling through the Glória neighborhood, South Zone. The victim, who was accompanied by her 21-year-old son, spotted a municipal guard patrol after disembarking and immediately reported the assault. Following her lead, officers boarded the line 497 bus and arrested the 37-year-old suspect, who was found to have a prior criminal record for assault and theft.
11/01/2026 – On Sunday (11), an off-duty Civil Police officer was shot and killed during a robbery attempt in Maracanã, Rio North Zone. The incident occurred in the early morning as the agent was returning from a bar with his wife and was intercepted by two unidentified men on Rua Visconde de Itamarati. After the officer reacted and fired a shot, he was struck in the chest and knee, succumbing to his injuries at the scene. His wife sustained a minor hand injury.
13/01/2026 – On Tuesday (13), Civil Police arrested a 48-year-old woman known as the “Vovó do Tráfico” (Traffic Grandma) for the fourth time on Rua do Lavradio in central Rio. Investigators from the 5th DP (Mem de Sá) caught her and two accomplices selling crack, cocaine, and marijuana inside a residential villa near the Lapa nightlife district. A teenager was also apprehended during the raid. Police highlighted that the specific sales point has operated for over 20 years and criticized current laws as lenient, noting the “Vovó” consistently returns to the same location shortly after being released.
14/01/2026 – On Wednesday (14), Civil Police and BOPE launched a new phase of “Operation Contenção” in the Complexo do Chapadão, in Anchieta, North Rio, and in Teresópolis. The operation aimed to execute 51 search warrants targeting a Comando Vermelho network involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, and the storage of stolen goods. Four suspects were arrested, and officers seized a rifle, grenades, and ballistic vests found in a vehicle. Investigations revealed that the criminal group uses Chapadão as a distribution hub for stolen cargo and coordinates logistics through properties in the mountain region to hide illegal assets.
14/01/2026 – On Wednesday (14), street vendors protested at Arpoador, in Ipanema, South Zone, against new summer regulations that treat the rock like a public park, closing it from 23:00 to 4:00 for cleaning. The group attempted to block Avenida Vieira Souto with trash bins but was intercepted by the 23rd BPM, resulting in a brief confrontation. While the City maintains the rules are necessary for noise control and urban maintenance, vendors demand the right to work, claiming the restrictions threaten their livelihoods.
14/01/2026 – On Wednesday night (14), a shooting at a bar on Estrada do Tingui, in Campo Grande, West Zone, left two men dead and three people wounded. Witnesses report that criminals targeted a local militiaman, hitting several bystanders in the process. Two men died at the scene; witnesses described one of the victims as a well-known local resident with no criminal ties. One woman remains in critical condition at Rocha Faria Hospital, while two other men are currently stable.
14/01/2026 – On Wednesday (14), the alleged leader of a gang that drugged and robbed two British tourists in Ipanema was arrested during a police raid in the Complexo do Chapadão, in Anchieta, North Zone. The 25-year-old suspect, who has 25 prior police records—13 of which are for “Boa Noite, Cinderella” scams—had been a fugitive since August 2025. She and her two accomplices, who were already in custody, allegedly drugged the victims with tainted caipirinhas before stealing approximately £2,100. The case gained international attention after footage emerged of the tourists collapsing on the beach.
14/01/206 – On Wednesday night (14), a bus driver was arrested in flagrante after running over and dragging a motorcycle during a traffic dispute on Avenida Ataulfo de Paiva in Leblon. Video footage shows the bus driver moving the vehicle over the motorcycle following an argument with the rider, who was filmed striking the bus window with a metal rod. Both men sustained minor injuries and were treated at Miguel Couto Hospital. The driver of the line 553 bus (Recreio – Botafogo) now faces charges of attempted murder and property damage.
15/01/2026 – On Wednesday (15), the South Zone Subprefect, Bernardo Rubião, was attacked during a crackdown on illegal stand-up paddle schools at Posto 6 in Copacabana. Rubião reported on social media that employees of an unauthorized school attempted to drown him after refusing to comply with the inspection. The school’s manager was taken to the 12th DP (Copacabana), and equipment was seized as part of a broader safety effort following recent accidents involving unlicensed instructors.
15/01/2026 – On Thursday (15), Civil and Military Police launched a new phase of Operation Contenção in Vila Kennedy, West Rio, targeting the Comando Vermelho. So far, six men have been arrested, and agents seized a price list detailing drug and beverage costs ranging from R$ 2 to R$ 110. This ongoing state-wide initiative has already resulted in over 275 arrests and 470 weapon seizures, following a historic and highly lethal phase in December 2025 at the Penha and Alemão complexes.
15/01/2026 – On Thursday (15), Rio’s consumer protection agency (PROCON) launched “Operação Preço Justo na Praia” to combat abusive commercial practices along the city’s coastline. The operation targets beach kiosks and stalls engaged in illegal activities such as charging minimum consumption fees, tied selling, and deceptive advertising during the summer peak. Teams are inspecting establishments and providing public guidance, with violators facing fines or permit revocation.
16/01/2026 – On Friday (16), Civil Police arrested an alleged leader of the Comando Vermelho (CV) from Bahia during an intelligence operation in Gardênia Azul, West Zone. The suspect, who was a fugitive, is accused of murdering a military police officer and reportedly commanded drug trafficking in the region of Ilhéus. The capture resulted from a coordinated effort between Rio and Bahia security forces.
16/01/2026 – On Friday (16), Wagner Barreto de Alencar, a notorious gang leader known as Cachulé, was killed in a shootout with Military Police in the Barbante community on Ilha do Governador. On the run since 2016, the 45-year-old was accused of leading armed attacks against local police units and controlling organized crime in the area. The high-stakes operation, involving the 17th BPM and the Aeromobile Group (GAM), resulted in the seizure of two rifles.
16/01/2026 – On Friday (16), Civil Police arrested a high-ranking leader of the Comando Vermelho from Bahia in Rio de Janeiro, in Gardênia Azul neighborhood, Rio’s Southwest Zone. A fugitive wanted for the murder of a military officer in Ilhéus, the suspect was located through a joint intelligence operation between Rio and Bahia authorities. Following the execution of a preventive arrest warrant, he was transported to the City of Police to await extradition. He is expected to face charges for homicide and drug trafficking in his home state.
16/01/2026 – On Friday morning (16), State Deputy Luiz Paulo was the victim of a sophisticated robbery on the Gasômetro Viaduct, where six criminals armed with rifles and pistols, disguised in counterfeit Civil Police uniforms and balaclavas, intercepted his vehicle and stole personal belongings. Less than 12 hours after the crime, a police operation successfully recovered the car and stolen items near the Nova Holanda community in Complexo da Maré.
19/01/2026 – On Monday (19), military police uncovered a clandestine vehicle plate factory in Vila Kennedy, West Zone. The facility supplied fraudulent plates to criminal gangs across the metropolitan area for cloning stolen cars. During the raid, officers seized two manufacturing machines and dozens of illegal plates intended for distribution throughout the state. The operation resulted in the arrest of two suspects with extensive criminal records, including prior charges for robbery and illegal arms trafficking.
20/01/2026 – On Tuesday (20), a violent crime spree in Rio’s Barra Olímpica and Curicica areas, Southwest Zone, left one suspect dead and four people wounded. The gang first robbed and shot a Civil Police officer and his wife before engaging in a shootout with Military Police near a shopping mall, where a pedestrian was grazed by a stray bullet. One suspect was killed, another was hospitalized under guard, and a third was arrested, while three stolen vehicles were recovered. Authorities are currently searching for the remaining gang members identified by the victims’ daughter.
20/01/2026 – In the early hours of Tuesday (20), two Chilean tourists were robbed near Rua Santa Clara in Copacabana by suspects armed with a knife. The victims, aged 38 and 49, had a cell phone and a waist pack stolen during the confrontation. Following a swift response by the Military Police, the stolen items were recovered and the two perpetrators, aged 19 and 26, were arrested and taken into custody at the Specialized Tourist Police Station (DEAT).
21/01/2026 – On Wednesday (21), the Military Police launched operations in the Complexo da Maré, North Zone, leading to intense shootouts and significant urban disruption. Part of the “Zero Barricade” initiative, the actions aimed to remove street obstacles and seize narcotics, with substantial drug seizures already reported in Parque União. The violence forced four bus lines to change their routes and suspended external activities at three municipal health units. Multiple police battalions remain on-site to stabilize the area for a planned municipal cleanup operation.
21/01/2026 – On Wednesday (21), a joint operation by BOPE and DRE in the César Maia community, in the Vargem Pequena neighborhood, West Zone, resulted in the deaths of four suspects and the seizure of a rifle and two pistols. The raid was a response to a wave of robberies in Curicica the previous night, during which a Civil Police officer, his partner, and a pedestrian were shot. Three suspects had already been arrested after crashing a stolen vehicle into a restaurant while fleeing. Following the operation, police reinforced the area after residents attempted to block local roads in protest.
21/01/2026 – On Wednesday (21), Civil Police arrested a 49-year-old Military Police sergeant in Realengo, North Zone, for the statutory rape of his stepdaughter. Investigations revealed the abuse began when the victim was eight years old and continued for seven years, with the officer allegedly using his firearm to intimidate and silence her. The sergeant, who served in the 9th BPM (Rocha Miranda), is currently held at the Military Police Prison Unit in Niterói.
23/01/2026 – On Friday (23), a suspect involved in the murder of Civil Police officer Paulo Vitor Silva Heitor was killed in a shootout with agents in Senador Camará, West Zone, after resisting arrest. Identified by authorities as the gunman who fatally shot the officer during a robbery in Maracanã, the suspect had over 20 prior criminal records for robbery.
23/01/2026 – On Friday (23), several cars were vandalized in Copacabana near Santa Clara Street, an act residents attributed to a homeless crack user frequenting the area. The incident highlights a surge in insecurity and drug use linked to the nearby Ladeira dos Tabajaras, prompting some buildings to install large planters or remove awnings to deter encampments. While police have reinforced patrols, social services emphasize that sheltering remains voluntary, leaving business owners and long-time residents frustrated by the recurring disorder and property damage.
24/01/2026 – On Saturday (24), the Military Police seized 49 sharp objects—including knives, scissors, and box cutters—at the “Chá da Alice” megablock, on the Praça da Candelária, in the city center. This preventive action is part of a special security operation involving 23 checkpoints equipped with metal detectors to screen attendees. These measures continued for Sunday’s “Megablock da Lexa” to ensure public order and the safety of carnival-goers by confiscating any items that could be used as weapons.
24/01/2026 – On Saturday (24), a man was shot in the legs by military police after invading a snack bar in Campo Grande, West Zone, and threatening officers with a knife. Witnesses reported that the suspect, who appeared to be intoxicated, crashed a car into the establishment and caused extensive damage before confronting the police. The individual was taken into custody to Rocha Faria Hospital and charged with multiple offenses.
25/01/2026 – On Sunday night (25), a pizza delivery driver was shot and killed during a robbery on Avenida Cesário de Melo, in Senador Vasconcelos, West Zone. While making a delivery, Paulo was targeted by criminals who fired multiple shots before fleeing with his motorcycle. In response to the tragedy—the second fatal shooting of a courier in the city within a week—fellow delivery drivers and family members held a protest on Monday (26), blocking roads in Campo Grande to demand justice and better security.
26/01/2026 – On Monday morning (26), an intense shootout between rival criminal factions near the Jordão community in Tanque, West Zone, left one man dead and two others wounded. Witnesses captured footage of heavily armed gunmen running along Estrada do Cafundá as residents sought cover from the heavy gunfire.
26/01/2026 – In the early hours of Monday (26), three inmates were caught attempting to escape from the Plácido de Sá Carvalho Penal Institute in the Gericinó Complex, in Bangu, West Zone. The prisoners, who were in isolation, managed to break a hole through a wall and overpower a prison officer before an alarm was triggered by another guard. Security cameras captured one inmate using a rope to scale a wall into a wooded area, where he was immediately apprehended by the Mobile Tactical Group, while the other two were forced back into custody. The officer who was held hostage received medical attention and is doing well.
27/01/2026 – On Tuesday morning (27), two civil police officers were injured during an intense shootout in the Prazeres (Santa Teresa) and Escondidinho (Rio Comprido) communities. Part of Operation Tourniquet, the raid targeted Comando Vermelho members involved in vehicle thefts and led to two arrests and the recovery of four stolen cars. The officers, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries, were fired upon from a tactical structure hidden in the forest. The operation caused major traffic disruptions on Rua Almirante Alexandrino and forced local health clinics to suspend home visits due to the violence.
27/01/2026 – On Tuesday afternoon (27), a Military Police operation targeting the Congonha, Cajueiro, Terço, and Faz Quem Quer communities in Madureira resulted in seven arrests and the rescue of an app driver held hostage. In retaliation, criminals hijacked nine buses to use as barricades on Avenida Ministro Edgard Romero, forcing the suspension of four BRT lines for approximately 30 minutes. The raid, part of the “Barricada Zero” program, led to the seizure of three pistols and the removal of ten tons of physical barriers.
27/01/2026 – On Tuesday night (27), a 12-year-old boy was apprehended by Seguranca Presente agents after stealing a necklace on Rua Ataulfo de Paiva in Leblon South Zone. The minor was caught and held by residents until officers arrived, following an alert shared in a neighborhood WhatsApp group. The stolen jewelry was recovered nearby, found broken in a garden.
27/01/2026 – On Tuesday afternoon (27), Federal Police arrested a Military Police officer inside the 9th BPM (Rocha Miranda) for allegedly leading a criminal organization that defrauded Caixa Econômica Federal. The officer, who had been a fugitive since 2019, is accused of orchestrating a multi-state fraud scheme over several years.
28/01/2026 – On Wednesday (28), Rio police launched a major operation in the Ipase, Juramentinho, and Trem communities targeting Comando Vermelho members involved in the torture and murder of a local youth. The action has resulted in two arrests so far, amidst intense shootouts and burning barricades that forced several bus lines to divert and health clinics to suspend services. Specialized units like BOPE and Core are executing multiple warrants to dismantle the violent cell responsible for territorial disputes and resident coercion in the North Zone.
28/01/2026 – According to a report published on Wednesday (28), a 76-year-old woman in Rio de Janeiro lost R$ 160,000 after being targeted by the “fake medical exam” scam. Posing as employees of the Samaritano Hospital in Botafogo, criminals used real patient data to convince her that an urgent diagnosis required a home delivery fee. A courier arrived at her home and performed multiple fraudulent transactions using a credit card machine under the guise of a small delivery charge. Authorities and the hospital emphasize that healthcare institutions never request payments over the phone or charge fees for the home delivery of exam results.
28/01/2026 – According to a report published on Wednesday (28), scammers in Rio de Janeiro used artificial intelligence to impersonate attorney Felipe Lima Gomes in video calls, even targeting his own mother. Since mid-January 2026, approximately 30 clients have been targeted by this sophisticated scheme, where criminals use deepfake technology to promise fictitious judicial payouts in exchange for “legal fees.” The OAB-RJ, which records nearly four such complaints daily, has secured restricted access to judicial consultation systems to hinder data harvesting by these specialized cybercriminal networks.
28/01/2026 – On Wednesday (28), a 58-year-old woman died after being shot in the Catiri area of Bangu, West Zone. The victim, Maria da Ajuda Santana do Nascimento, was hit when an unidentified vehicle drove by and opened fire; she was declared dead upon arrival at the Albert Schweitzer Municipal Hospital. A second person was wounded in the arm during the same shooting and remains in stable condition.
29/01/2026 – On Thursday morning (29), a Civil Police operation in the Manguinhos complex caused the suspension of the Saracuruna train line after gunfire struck the overhead power cables. The raid, part of “Operation Tourniquet,” targeted a Comando Vermelho cell specializing in cargo theft along major highways like Avenida Brasil. By 6:30, five suspects had been arrested, and investigators revealed the group relied on inside information from logistics employees to hijack high-value shipments, such as lubricant oils.
29/01/2026 – In the early hours of Thursday (29), armed thieves targeted two pharmacies in Rio’s North Zone, specifically seeking high-value weight-loss pens. In Irajá, a group of five—including a pregnant woman—robbed a store of medications and cosmetics while also mugging a customer. Shortly after, in Vila da Penha, two men on a motorcycle stole over R$ 100,000 worth of specialty drugs like Mounjaro. Employees noted that criminals now arrive with specific lists of high-cost refrigerated items, marking the fourth such robbery at one location this month alone.
29/01/2026 – On Thursday (29), Civil Police arrested a suspect in the Manguinhos slum for a string of luxury home burglaries across Rio’s South Zone. Targeting mansions in Jardim Botânico, Gávea, and São Conrado by entering through wooded areas at night, the suspect reportedly caused losses of approximately R$ 1 million per crime. Self-styled as a “modern-day Pedro Dom,” the individual had 47 prior criminal records and was identified after flaunting stolen Rolexes and large sums of cash on social media.
29/01/2026 – On Thursday (29), an off-duty Military Police corporal was shot and killed during an attack in the Penha neighborhood. The officer, who was stationed at the Santa Marta UPP, was rushed to Getúlio Vargas State Hospital but succumbed to his injuries; he leaves behind a wife and three children. Recognized as an outstanding member of the force, he had recently ranked first in the state for total police stops.
30/01/2026 – On Friday morning (30), an intense shootout erupted in the Vigário Geral and Parada de Lucas communities within the Complexo de Israel, North Zone. The conflict began when drug traffickers attacked a specialized police unit (Desarme) returning from an operation; while no injuries were reported, passengers on a passing train were forced to take cover on the floor. The gunfire damaged SuperVia’s overhead power lines, causing significant disruptions and partial closures on the Saracuruna line.
30/01/2026 – On Friday morning (30), BOPE teams and three other battalions launched an operation in Morro do Fubá, North Zone, following the shooting of two military police officers the previous day. The officers were wounded while attempting to recover a stolen food truck, with one struck in the head and the other in the chest; both are currently in stable condition. The ongoing raid targets drug traffickers involved in the confrontation and included intensive patrolling of the community’s forested areas.
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.
- Shootouts may also occur outside such communities, in this case:
- 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.
- 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
