In the first weeks of 2026, six law enforcement officers have been killed in Rio de Janeiro, including four military, one civil, and one prison officer. Most fatalities occurred during off-duty robberies or gang confrontations, such as the recent death of Corporal Marcelo Balthar in Guadalupe. This highlights the high risks faced by agents both on duty and off duty officer.
Between February 13 and 17, 2026, Rio de Janeiro security forces arrested 731 people during Carnival, a period marked by a 46% increase in firearm seizures (60 weapons) and a 208% surge in confiscated replica guns. Despite the high volume of arrests, Public Security Secretary Victor dos Santos criticized the current legislation as a “revolving door,” noting that 30% of those detained were released following custody hearings. While general property crimes fell by over 31%, aided by facial recognition technology that performed 8 million scans, the holiday also saw 1,517 maritime rescues by firefighters and 858 drunk driving violations recorded by the Lei Seca operation.
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01/02/2026 – As of Sunday (1st), Rio de Janeiro’s “Barricada Zero” task force has removed over 7,000 tons of debris and cleared 2,000 streets in just two months of operations. Spanning 166 communities across 12 municipalities, the mission targets concrete blocks, iron spikes, and trenches used by organized crime to block police and public services. Despite these efforts, the challenge remains significant; the Hotline (Disque-Denúncia) received 720 new reports in the first 20 days of January alone, highlighting the rapid speed at which traffickers and militias replace these obstacles once security forces depart.
01/02/2026 – On Sunday (1st), a 41-year-old woman was killed, and two elderly men were injured by stray bullets during a shootout in the Malvinas community in Irajá. The victim, a manicurist, was working on a client’s nails at her doorstep when she was struck in the head. The two injured men, aged 71 and 72, were hospitalized, with one already discharged and the other in stable condition. Local residents held a protest the following day, blocking a major avenue to demand security as territorial disputes between rival criminal factions have intensified in the area over the last three months.
01/02/2026 – On Sunday (1st), a 19-year-old member of the “Torcida Jovem do Flamengo” organized fan group was shot and killed by police during a confrontation in Vila Isabel. Security footage shows the young man fighting with an officer on the ground during an attempted search before a second officer fired at point-blank range.
02/02/2026 – On Monday (2), Civil Police arrested a high-ranking drug trafficker accused of ordering the attack on a police helicopter that occurred in March 2025. The suspect, identified as the second-in-command of the Vila Aliança community, was arrested as he left a hotel in Botafogo while attempting to hide from authorities. The 2025 attack resulted in a pilot being shot and hospitalized for nine months. Carrying a pistol at the time of his arrest, the criminal has over 40 prior offenses, including homicide and drug trafficking.
02/02/2026 – On Monday (2), Military Police corporal Marcelo de Lima Balthar was shot and killed during a confrontation in the Guadalupe neighborhood, North Zone. The 31-year-old officer, a ten-year veteran of the force, was struck in the neck while responding to a reported invasion of the Bairro 13 community by rival gang members. The attackers, who were reportedly in a black pickup truck, fled the scene after firing on the police. Balthar was rushed to a nearby hospital but died shortly after entering surgery, leaving a wife and two children.
02/02/2026 – On Monday (2), the Civil Police arrested three individuals belonging to a group called “Geração Z” for planning coordinated explosive attacks in front of the Rio de Janeiro State Legislative Assembly (Alerj). The operation, named “Black Chain,” revealed that the group used social media and messaging apps to organize violent acts against public buildings and telecommunications infrastructure. Investigators seized instructional materials for making Molotov cocktails and nail bombs, as well as audio recordings where members discussed a “mission” to carry out attacks with small teams to gain attention.
02/02/2026 – On Monday (2), a pharmacy delivery rider was shot eight times and killed during a robbery on Porã Street in Campo Grande, West zone. The criminals fled with the victim’s motorcycle, leading police to investigate the case as a potential robbery-homicide. This incident marks the fourth shooting of a motorcycle courier in the State of Rio de Janeiro in less than a month, highlighting a dangerous trend for workers in the sector.
03/02/2026 – On Tuesday (3), a Military Police operation in the Ipase and Morro do Trem communities in Vila Kosmos resulted in a shootout that left two suspects injured. Officers from the 41st BPM were met with gunfire upon entering the area, which is controlled by the Comando Vermelho faction. The two wounded men were taken to Getúlio Vargas State Hospital, where they remain under police custody. During the action, authorities seized a rifle and a communication radio. The conflict caused local health clinics to suspend operations, and residents reported that such violent incursions have become a weekly occurrence in the neighborhood.
03/02/2026 – On Tuesday afternoon (3), an off-duty military police officer shot and killed a robber at an armored car dealership on Avenida das Américas in Barra da Tijuca. According to reports, an armed man entered the store and announced a robbery, firing a shot at the off-duty officer who was present. The officer reacted, striking and killing the assailant. Firefighters were called to the scene but found the man already deceased. Police seized a .38 caliber revolver and a mobile phone at the site, while other accomplices managed to flee.
03/02/2026 – On Tuesday (3), the Military Police carried out a major operation in the Rebu and Cavalo de Aço communities of Senador Camará as part of the “Barricada Zero” initiative. The action, involving the 14th BPM and Shock Police, led to the arrest of one man and the seizure of a rifle, ammunition, and a radio transmitter. Officers also had to remove a large metal barrier that gang members had recently rebuilt after it was destroyed in a previous operation in January. The conflict forced four intercity bus lines to detour and led to the closure of three local health clinics due to safety concerns.
03/02/2026 – On Tuesday (3), José Gomes da Rocha Neto, a security guard for the crime boss Adilsinho, was arrested for planning the 2025 murder of a Civil Police officer in Niterói. Known as “Kiko,” he has a long history as a hitman, including the 2021 execution of a businessman in Maranhão and ties to various militias. He remained active in organized crime for over a decade before his capture in Ilha do Governador.
04/02/2026 – On Wednesday (4), Civil Police arrested a high-ranking member of a criminal group specializing in the robbery of app-based drivers and motorcyclists in West Zone. The suspect, caught in Realengo after fleeing a previous operation, was part of a structured network linked to the “Terceiro Comando Puro” (TCP) faction. This group focused on cloning stolen vehicles or dismantling them for illegal part sales. The arrest, conducted under “Operation Torniquete,” resulted in the recovery of a high-value vehicle and aims to curb the funding of organized crime in the region.
04/02/2026 – On Wednesday (4), health agent Amanda Loureiro da Silva Mendes was shot and killed by her ex-partner while arriving for work on Rua Clarimundo de Melo, in Quintino, North Zone. Despite having a protective order against him, the victim was ambushed by the suspect, who confessed to the crime after being arrested in Madureira. The attacker, who had a prior criminal record for homicide and domestic violence, reportedly murdered the mother of his two children because he refused to accept their separation.
04/02/2026 – On Wednesday (4), a woman held in private confinement was rescued from an apartment on Rua Sá Ferreira, in Copacabana. The rescue was made possible after the victim managed to send a coded message to her family in Paraná, who alerted local authorities to coordinate with Rio’s Civil Police. A 30-year-old man was arrested at the scene, ending a successful inter-state operation between Rio and Paraná law enforcement to secure the victim’s safety.
04/02/2026 – On Wednesday (4), military police in Recreio dos Bandeirantes apprehended a 17-year-old suspect in the December 2024 killing of a tourist from São Paulo. The victim, Diely da Silva Maia, was shot when her rideshare driver accidentally entered the Fontela community in Vargem Pequena. Despite his age, the teenager already has over 10 police records for homicide and drug trafficking; he was caught with a pistol and a motorcycle during a targeted anti-trafficking operation.
04/02/2026 – On Wednesday (4), a 60-year-old woman was found stabbed to death inside her home in the Vila Aliança community of Bangu, West Rio. Residents described her as a well-known beverage seller and suggested the crime might be linked to debt-related retaliation, though police are still verifying this motive.
05/02/2026 – On Thursday (5), Rio police conducted an operation in Morro do Salgueiro, Tijuca, North Zone, against a hit squad linked to the cigarette mafia led by Adilson Adilsinho Coutinho Filho. The fugitive crime boss is accused of ordering the 2022 murder of Fabrício Oliveira, who was mistakenly targeted after lending trucks to a rival smuggler. While a military police officer surrendered and another suspect was jailed, Adilsinho remains at large with four active warrants for homicide and organized crime.
05/02/2026 – On Thursday (5), a military police officer from the 22nd BPM (Maré) was arrested at his unit for robbery, rape, and extortion committed in Maricá. Investigators stated that after attempting to collect an 800 BRL debt, the officer raped the victim and stole items from her residence. The suspect, who reportedly has a history of militia involvement, is now in custody while authorities search for an at-large accomplice and proceed with disciplinary measures.
05/02/2026 – On Thursday (5), a truck driver was shot during an attempted robbery on Avenida Brasil in the Ramos neighborhood of North Rio. Despite his injuries, the driver managed to travel over 10 km to the state supply center (Ceasa) in Irajá, where he eventually crashed into a tree and another vehicle. The assailants fled without stealing the cargo of chocolate, and the victim was transported to Getúlio Vargas State Hospital; his current condition has not been released.
05/02/2026 – On Thursday (5), a 46-year-old man was shot and killed at a crowded bar in Padre Miguel, West Rio. Security footage captured the shooter talking to a woman at the victim’s table before firing, despite her attempts to intervene. Military police arrested the suspect at the scene and seized his pistol. Although the victim was rushed to the Hospital, he did not survive.
06/02/2026 – On Friday (6), the “Intocáveis III” operation led by Draco and the Rio de Janeiro Public Prosecutor’s Office resulted in the arrest of six suspects targeting the financial core of the Rio das Pedras militia. Those detained were allegedly responsible for money laundering, extortion, and illegal land exploitation through front companies to sustain the group’s activities. This raid specifically focused on dismantling the economic infrastructure and leadership branches that facilitate the militia’s territorial control across the city’s West Zone.
06/02/2026 – On Friday (6), Rio de Janeiro police arrested a man in Marechal Hermes, suspected of committing multiple robberies on the city’s subway system. Investigated for crimes dating back to late 2025, the suspect was reportedly planning to target Carnival revelers as they boarded trains for street blocks. Officers seized a replica firearm during the arrest and noted that the suspect had an extensive criminal record, including homicide and kidnapping.
07/02/2026 – On Saturday (7), a famous Brazilian funk singer was robbed at gunpoint near the Sapucaí sambadrome. Despite being close to police units, two suspects on a motorcycle stole his cell phone, glasses, and two custom-designed necklaces. The artist, who reported the incident to the police, later offered a reward on social media to recover the jewelry due to its sentimental value.
09/02/2026 – On Monday (9), Civil Police arrested a 33-year-old man, identified as a key enforcer for the Comando Vermelho, at the Getúlio Vargas State Hospital in Penha. Intelligence units located him after he checked in using his brother’s name following a motorcycle accident. He is considered a highly ranking lieutenant and trusted associate of Doca, the faction’s primary leader in the area. Wanted for murder and organized crime, the suspect is described as extremely violent and involved in the group’s territorial expansion.
09/02/2026 – On Monday (9), Rio de Janeiro’s Consumer Defense Police (Decon) seized and destroyed one ton of expired fish at a distributor in Complexo da Maré. The stock, including salmon, tilapia, and sole, was intended for city restaurants during Carnival but had expiration dates dating back to late January. Three men were arrested for crimes against consumer relations after officers found the products stored in precarious conditions with labels expired for over ten days.
10/02/2026 – On Tuesday (10), the BOPE arrested eight people during an operation in the César Maia community in Vargem Pequena. Among those detained is a high-ranking member of “Equipe Caos,” a group responsible for invading various favelas across the West Zone, including a recent attack in Santa Cruz. Police seized two rifles, a pistol, and a grenade during the raid, which was launched based on intelligence indicating the group was planning new incursions into the Camorim and Asa Branca communities.
10/02/2026 – On Tuesday (10), Civil Police and intelligence units arrested a high-ranking leader of the Comando Vermelho from Tocantins during an operation in Morro do Vidigal. The suspect, who was the faction’s primary fugitive leader from that state, was wanted for drug trafficking, homicides, and the deaths of public security agents. The arrest followed an intense shootout in the South Zone community that occurred early in the morning.
10/02/2026 – On Tuesday (10), Detran RJ and the Military Police shut down an illegal junkyard in Realengo, North Zone. The facility, which operated without a license, was found dismantling vehicles and storing unidentified auto parts without mandatory traceability labels. This action was part of “Operation Desmonte,” which had already closed 151 clandestine scrap yards since late 2023 to combat the sale of stolen parts and ensure consumer safety.
10/02/2026 – On Tuesday (10), Rio de Janeiro’s Capital Homicide Division (DHC) arrested a man for the murder of a homeless person in the Benfica neighborhood, North Zone. The crime, which occurred on February 3, was captured by security cameras, showing the suspect attacking the victim with a sharp object while they were sleeping on the sidewalk. Upon his arrest, the suspect confessed to the killing, claiming it was motivated by a “previous disagreement.”
11/02/2026 – On Wednesday (11), a female teenager held four other young women under threat inside a dormitory at the Professor Antônio Carlos Gomes da Costa juvenile detention unit (Degase) on Ilha do Governador. Specialized units, including BOPE and Degase’s Rapid Action Group, were called to the scene following reports of a potential riot. After negotiations, the situation was deescalated.
11/02/2026 – On Wednesday (11), a 49-year-old woman and an unidentified man were shot and killed during a violent confrontation between rival militia groups in Manguariba, Paciência, West Zone. The victim was walking to work with her 23-year-old son when she was struck in the chest; her son was also wounded while attempting to rescue her and remains in stable condition. The intense shootout, which lasted several hours, forced the closure of five schools and three health units.
12/02/2026 – On Thursday (12), an off-duty military police officer reacted to a robbery attempt and killed two suspects on Avenida Brasil, near Penha. The suspects approached the officer on the side road heading toward the city center but were shot and died at the scene. Specialized units (BPVE) responded to the incident, seizing a revolver and a replica pistol.
12/02/2026 – On Thursday (12), a 21-year-old street vendor was arrested for charging two Danish tourists R$ 2,400 for two cans of beer near the Maracanã Stadium. The father and son noticed the fraudulent credit card charge immediately after the Botafogo vs. Fluminense match and alerted Municipal Guard officers patrolling the area.
12/02/2026 – On Thursday (12), Civil Police arrested a man in Campo Grande, West Zone, who had been a fugitive for three months. He was convicted of robbery resulting in death for his involvement in armed home invasions in Barra da Tijuca and Recreio dos Bandeirantes alongside two accomplices, including his sister. During one of these robberies, a resident was shot and killed after attempting to resist the group.
12/02/2026 – On Thursday (12), a resident was shot during a high-speed police chase and subsequent shootout in the Morro do Timbau, part of the Complexo da Maré. The incident began on the Linha Vermelha when a driver refused to stop for the Motorcycle Tactical Battalion (BTM), leading to a pursuit that ended with the suspects crashing their car and fleeing into the community on foot. Civil Police CORE agents provided backup during the resulting confrontation, where they found the wounded resident and evacuated them in an armored vehicle; a stolen car and a pistol were recovered, though the suspects escaped.
13/02/2026 – On Friday (13), four French tourists were victims of a mass robbery on Rua Frei Caneca, shortly after leaving the Sambódromo dispersal area. The group was surrounded and pinned against a wall by several men, resulting in one stolen cellphone. Despite the heavy crowds for the Série Ouro parades, victims noted a complete lack of police presence at the site of the attack, with nearby officers explaining they had been redeployed to handle other robberies in the vicinity.
14/02/2026 – On Saturday (14), 32-year-old Alisson Daniel Lima de França was beaten to death in Paciência, West Zone, following an argument with his former employer. The suspect allegedly attacked Alisson with a wooden plank, and a group of unidentified individuals later abandoned the victim’s body at a hospital before fleeing. In retaliation, residents looted the merchant’s store.
14/02/2026 – On Saturday (14), Fábio Rangel Pereira, a 47-year-old app driver, was shot and killed while trying to break up a fight between rival “bate-bola” groups in Rocha Miranda, North Zone. During a fireworks display, a man opened fire, hitting Fábio seven times and wounding another man in the leg. This tragedy was part of a violent weekend involving these traditional Carnival groups, which led to nine arrests and the seizure of seven firearms and a grenade across the Ilha do Governador and Padre Miguel regions.
14/02/2026 – On Saturday morning (14), armed assailants on motorcycles ambushed a van carrying 20 Carnival revelers from a Sapucaí box seat (camarote) in Estácio. The vehicle was diverted into a trap on Rua Maia de Lacerda, where gunmen stole cellphones and jewelry in an operation lasting less than five minutes. Despite the state’s massive 26,000-agent security plan, victims reported a lack of immediate police assistance, leading the Military Police to announce an additional 30-officer patrol surge around the Sambódromo to protect attendees exiting the event.
14/02/2026 – On Saturday morning (14), the Military Police seized 66 sharp objects and other prohibited items during preventive searches at the access points for the Cordão do Bola Preta block, in Lapa, Central Rio. The haul included scissors, pliers, pointed metal objects, and glass bottles, which—while common in daily life—pose significant risks in high-density crowds or are used by criminals to intimidate victims during cell phone thefts. This proactive operation utilized checkpoints, metal detectors, and facial recognition drones to ensure public security during one of Rio’s largest Carnival gatherings.
15/02/2026 – On Sunday (15), agents from the Robbery and Theft Division (DRF) thwarted a high-stakes heist at a jewelry store in downtown Rio. The criminals, a specialized crew from São Paulo supported by the Red Command (CV), were caught drilling through a neighboring wall to bypass security during the Carnival holiday. One suspect was arrested, while his accomplices managed to flee after throwing an explosive device at officers; police seized a hydraulic jack, blowtorches, and heavy drilling equipment used in the sophisticated attempt.
15/02/2026 – On Sunday (15), the Military Police intervened in a violent turf war at Morro do Chaves, in the Barros Filho neighborhood, North Zone, after Red Command members attempted to invade the Third Pure Command-controlled community. The operation resulted in two suspects killed, two wounded, and six arrested as they tried to flee in hijacked cars. Officers seized five assault rifles, two pistols, and three grenades during the clash.
16/02/2026 – On Monday (16), digital influencer Henrique Silva, known as Fontinnele, was involved in a massive brawl on the Copacabana boardwalk during a live stream on the Kick platform. The incident began when Fontinnele was punched in the face by another man, prompting his group to retaliate with kicks, punches, and wooden planks until Military Police intervened with pepper spray.
16/02/2026 – On Monday (16), Civil Police arrested a woman and her uncle for attempting to fraudulently transfer over R$ 1 million from a bank account in Barra da Tijuca, Southwest Zone. The woman presented a falsified power of attorney claiming to represent the account holder, who resides in Australia. After a suspicious bank manager initiated a verification process, the pair was apprehended at a nearby café and subsequently charged with fraud after admitting to using the forged document.
18/02/2026 – On Wednesday night (18), a shooting during a Carnival event in Catumbi, Central Rio, left one man dead and three others wounded, including a 9-year-old child. Two gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire on Rua Frei Caneca, near an entrance to Morro da Mineira, causing panic in a crowded square. Investigators believe the attack stems from a conflict between rival factions Red Command and Third Pure Command. While one victim died at the hospital, the current condition of the survivors, including the child and a 23-year-old man, has not been released.
19/02/2026 – On Thursday (19), an American tourist and content creator reported that a thief snatched her phone through an open rideshare window near the Arcos da Lapa, in Lapa. Following the theft, criminals accessed her bank account and withdrew over $40,000, while also locking her out of her email and changing her account language to Portuguese. Although the victim shared the ordeal with her followers on social media, local Civil Police stated that no formal report has been filed yet with the Special Tourist Support Delegation (DEAT).
22/02/2026 – On Sunday (22), Rio de Janeiro Military Police seized 25 prohibited items, including 23 knives and two replica firearms, during the Monobloco parade in the Centro district. Three people were arrested, including a man accused of assaulting tourists from Canada and New Zealand. The operation highlighted the debut of facial recognition technology installed in over 380 patrol cars, alongside strategic drones used to monitor the crowds. Additionally, police captured a wanted fugitive and a minor during the weekend’s festivities near the Sambadrome.
22/02/2026 – On Sunday (22), a 71-year-old woman was allegedly raped by a bus driver inside a vehicle in downtown Rio de Janeiro. The victim was traveling on line 383 when the driver reportedly ignored her request to stop, turned off the lights, and assaulted her.
23/02/2026 – On Monday (23), the specialized robbery and theft Civil Police unit (DRF) launched “Operation Copper Paths” to dismantle an interstate criminal organization that moved over R$ 400 million through cable theft and money laundering. The operation executed 42 search warrants across Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Tocantins, targeting a sophisticated structure that used trucks to rip out underground cables during the night. The stolen material was processed in scrapyards, often located in Rio’s North Zone, and resold to steel mills with fraudulent invoices. Authorities have requested the seizure of properties, vehicles, and the total freezing of assets to paralyze the group’s high-level financial infrastructure.
23/02/2026 – On Monday afternoon (23), three people were executed at the intersection of Assis Carneiro and Clarimundo de Melo streets in the Piedade neighborhood, North Zone. Two victims were killed inside a car targeted by over 30 gunshots, while a passing delivery rider, reportedly a local resident, was also struck and died instantly.
24/02/2026 – On Tuesday (24), the Military Police launched a large-scale operation in the Pavuna and Costa Barros neighborhoods, deploying 200 agents across the Chapadão and Pedreira complexes to curb a violent gang war and combat cargo theft. The coordinated effort, involving various PM and elite units like BOPE, targeted several communities including Quitanda and Lagartixa. Due to the intense police activity, 18 municipal schools and a local health clinic were forced to suspend operations, significantly impacting the region’s public services.
24/02/2026 – On Tuesday (24), an Army soldier was filmed assaulting a motorcyclist at a gas station in Vila Militar, West Zone. Video footage shows the soldier drawing a weapon before slapping the rider, causing his motorcycle to fall. The Eastern Military Command confirmed that the soldier has been arrested in flagrante, and the case has been forwarded to Military Justice.
25/02/2026 – On Wednesday morning (25), an armed man attempted to rob two off-duty police officers on Avenida das Américas, near BRT station Jornalista Ricardo Marinho, in Barra da Tijuca, Southwest Zone. A Corporal and a Sergeant reacted to the approach, resulting in a shootout where the suspect was fatally wounded. The motorcycle he was using was identified as stolen and was seized along with his firearm, while the incident led to partial road closures in the area.
25/02/2026 – On Wednesday morning (25), a police chase in the Ramos neighborhood, North Zone, resulted in one death and two arrests. The suspects fled after defying a stop order on Rua Uranos and opening fire on officers. The pursuit ended when their vehicle crashed into a Supervia station wall, destroying the car’s front end; police seized a pistol and ammunition at the scene.
25/02/2026 – On Wednesday (25), Civil Police arrested a 25-year-old woman at a gym near the Jacaré community, North Rio, for drugging and robbing Peruvian tourists. According to the newspaper Extra, the suspect and two accomplices targeted the foreigners in Lapa in February 2025 before traveling with them to Búzios, where they stole high-value items including a Rolex and gold jewelry. This marks the woman’s second arrest for the same “Good Night, Cinderella” scheme.
26/02/2026 – On Thursday (26), Rio Military Police launched a major operation involving 200 officers and 10 armored vehicles in Complexo da Maré. Targeting the TCP faction, the raid sparked intense shootouts and saw burning barricades blocking local access points. Three suspects were wounded during the clashes.
26/02/2026 – On Thursday (26), Civil Police launched “Operation Fim da Rota” against a Terceiro Comando Puro (TCP) cell specialized in interstate arms and drug trafficking. Six people were arrested across Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, and Espírito Santo. The group recruited middle-class individuals without criminal records to transport assault rifles (AR-10s) and narcotics in modified vehicles. The scheme involved money laundering through shell companies, crypto-assets, and “smurfing” financial transactions to evade detection.
26/02/2026 – On Thursday afternoon (26), a Civil Police operation in the Paciência neighborhood, West Zone, disrupted a planned territorial attack. Agents from the Robbery and Theft divisions intercepted a group of criminals in a wooded area of Manguariba who were preparing to invade a rival’s territory. The confrontation resulted in one suspect killed, five others arrested, and the seizure of five assault rifles, ammunition, and two vehicles intended for the assault.
26/02/2026 – On Thursday (26), police arrested the man accused of killing former Argentine tourism official Gaston Burlon following a shootout in Glória district, South Zone. The suspect was wounded during a chase involving a stolen vehicle used for robberies in the South Zone. Burlon died in 2024 after being shot when his GPS mistakenly led his family into a dangerous community. A second accomplice with a lengthy criminal record was also detained under police custody.
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
