In addition to charging security fees to residents and business owners, the Rio das Pedras militia is now even forcing bakeries to buy wheat flour directly from the paramilitary group, which has been dubbed the “flour tax”. The complaint was made by residents and revealed by TV Bandeirantes on Monday.
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Additional Fees
The militia members also have other charges in the region. It is necessary to pay R$400 for the key to the gates installed by the criminals in the middle of the community, in addition to a monthly fee of R$50 to the armed group. Other fees are said to be R$30 to receive mail, as well as up to R$120 to park a car on the streets of Rio das Pedras or up to R$800 for vans to travel through the community.
Businesses are also said to be required to pay weekly fees of up to R$100 to the militia members. Electricity charges are also charged and were recently adjusted, with the rate rising from R$50 to R$70.
Pressure Caused by the Red Command
The objective of the increase in extortion is to raise more money to buy weapons — to fight the Red Command (CV), a faction that is trying to invade the favela —, pay for lawyers who defend imprisoned militia members, and pay bribes to public agents.
Analysis:
The situation in Rio das Pedras, as described, reveals an alarming scenario of territorial and economic control by the militia, with significant strategic implications in several spheres. The imposition of the “flour tax” is a new level of control, expanding extortion beyond security fees and directly reaching the supply chain of local businesses.
The variety of fees (gate keys, monthly fees, postage, parking, van circulation, commerce, electricity) points to a granular control of the community’s daily life. Every aspect of life and economic activity is subject to taxation by the militia, solidifying its power and holding the population hostage. The recent adjustments to the electricity tax demonstrate the militia’s ability to impose increases and adapt its financial demands.
Widespread extortion stifles the local economy, increases the cost of living, discourages entrepreneurship, and can lead to the closure of businesses. The “flour tax” directly impacts the price of bread, a staple in the population’s diet. This situation generates social instability and impoverishment of the community.
Success in imposing these taxes and the justification of combating the CV may strengthen the image and power of the militia in the eyes of some residents, who may see them as the only force capable of guaranteeing some form of “security”, even at a very high cost.
The situation exposes the fragility of the State in guaranteeing security and order in areas controlled by criminal groups. The difficulty in containing the expansion of the militia and the complexity of power relations (including corruption of public officials) represent a major challenge for public security authorities.
The territorial dispute with the Red Command and the increased military capacity of the militia, financed by extortion, increases the risk of violent confrontations in the community, putting the lives of residents at risk.
Sources: Extra.
