In recent weeks, Folha de São Paulo identified dozens of Instagram posts showing scenes of thefts and robberies carried out on the streets of São Paulo. A striking aspect of these videos is that the crimes are often recorded by the perpetrators themselves or by accomplices who film from a short distance. Most of the content features young men, many of whom appear to be minors, committing crimes such as snatching phones while riding bicycles, breaking car windows to rob drivers, and stealing chains from pedestrians. The posts frequently reference the number “55,” a direct reference to Article 155 of the Brazilian Penal Code, which defines the crime of theft. In some cases, the number appears in captions, song lyrics, and even in the usernames of the profiles. One of the videos surpassed 200,000 views, illustrating the reach of this type of content.
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The Videos
In one of the recordings, a cyclist activates the camera and begins to ride while a funk track plays in the background. The lyrics celebrate the group, repeating the phrase “it’s five five.” As he moves along the sidewalk, he approaches a distracted pedestrian using a phone. In a quick motion, he grabs the device and rides away, leaving the victim behind. The video, lasting about 15 seconds, ends with a phrase suggesting dominance over the city, reinforcing a narrative of control and impunity. Similar videos follow the same pattern, combining music, rapid action, and deliberate framing to document the crime as it unfolds.
Leaked Photos
Beyond the footage recorded during the robberies, some profiles also publish personal images and videos found on the stolen devices. These posts expose private moments of victims, adding another layer of violation. In one example, a young woman appears in short clips playing with her baby, who is learning to crawl. In another, a soldier poses in front of a mirror wearing a military uniform and holding a firearm. There are also images of an elderly man smiling while holding stacks of cash in front of a safe. The publication of such material raises concerns not only about theft but also about privacy breaches and the misuse of personal data.
Victims
One of the victims whose content was exposed online is logistics specialist Rafael Garcia, 30, who was attacked while stopped at a traffic light at the intersection of Rua da Consolação and Avenida Paulista on the night of August 27 of last year. According to his account, he had left his phone on the dashboard to follow GPS directions and was distracted when he heard the sound of glass shattering. By the time he reacted, the assailant had already entered the vehicle. When Garcia attempted to stop him, he was punched in the face and suffered cuts to his hand from broken glass. Later that same night, videos and images retrieved from his phone—including moments with his girlfriend at a pool and at a bar—were posted on social media.
Provocation
Some of the posts go beyond documentation and include direct provocation toward victims and society. Messages are often overlaid on the videos, mocking victims or making broader statements. One recurring caption falsely identifies the location as Moscow, followed by phrases suggesting territorial control. Other posts include messages criticizing social inequality, such as claims that some must suffer so others can prosper, or that the absence of justice in marginalized areas justifies crime against wealthier individuals. These narratives attempt to frame the crimes within a broader social discourse, blending provocation with ideological messaging.
Number of Robberies
According to data from the São Paulo State Public Security Secretariat, the city recorded 154,058 cases of cell phone theft and robbery last year, an average of 422 incidents per day. For David Marques, program manager at the Brazilian Forum of Public Security, the emergence of these videos reflects a broader “production chain” behind this type of crime, in which young people and teenagers often operate on the front line. He explains that stolen devices are typically passed along through networks that dismantle them for parts or resell them, sometimes even sending them abroad where they are unlocked and reintroduced into the market. Marques also notes that the public display of these crimes on social media reflects the development of a subculture that normalizes and even promotes criminal behavior.
Analysis:
The circulation of videos showing thefts in São Paulo reflects a concerning evolution in urban crime, where criminal acts are no longer just opportunistic but also performative. The fact that perpetrators themselves record and publish these incidents indicates the emergence of a digital subculture that seeks visibility, recognition, and social validation. References such as “55,” linked to Article 155 of the Penal Code, function as coded symbols that reinforce group identity and normalize illegal behavior.
This phenomenon is closely tied to broader structural factors, including the involvement of young individuals in low-level, high-frequency crimes that feed larger criminal networks. These actors often operate at the front end of a chain that includes intermediaries responsible for reselling or dismantling stolen devices, sometimes extending into international markets.
Sources: A Folha de SP.
