Organized crime in the State of Rio de Janeiro has been imposing illegal fees on residents and business owners across various regions. Police investigations and community reports indicate that both factions and militias use systematic extortion as a revenue source, using threats and retaliation against anyone who refuses to pay. In Itaboraí, the Ministério Público do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (MPRJ) is taking action against suspects accused of belonging to a militia that forces payments from residential complex residents. Meanwhile, in Paraty, business owners and residents report that the Red Command (CV) demands periodic payments to allow businesses and establishments to operate, enforcing punishments and violent acts against those who do not comply with the faction’s demands.
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Extortion as a Revenue Stream and Form of Control
An MPRJ operation executed three search and seizure warrants on Tuesday, September 15, against individuals under investigation for forming a militia and extorting money from residents of a residential complex in Itaboraí, in Rio’s Metropolitan Region. Armed criminals forced the building manager of a complex to hire a new security company. The service remained identical, utilizing the same security guards, routines, and equipment, yet the fee charged doubled. In Paraty, illegal fees affect maritime transport, inns, and restaurants. Residents and merchants report extortion by individuals identifying themselves as members of the CV. The monthly fee charged ranges between R$ 500 and R$ 1,000.
Use of Violence
Factions and militias employ violence as a method of retaliation and intimidation against those who refuse to pay. In Itaboraí, residents are coerced by armed men. In Trindade, Paraty, owners of restaurants, diners, and inns are charged. Those who refuse to pay receive individual messages on their mobile phones. Locals suspect the perpetrators may be infiltrated into neighborhood group chats. A month ago, a merchant received threats, refused to pay, and had the structure of their workplace set on fire a week later.
Analysis
We observe here a tactical convergence between militias and factions like the Red Command, consolidating systematic extortion as a recurring revenue business model in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Organized crime has diversified its operations, currently attempting to control formal markets. The disguise of services rendered through front companies, as seen in the Itaboraí complex security arrangement, highlights an advanced level of operational sophistication. To guarantee compliance within this forced market, these groups combine surveillance and likely infiltration of community channels with calculated deterrent violence, such as arson against uncooperative merchants in Paraty.
Sources: O Globo; A Folha de SP.
