Armed robberies around the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), in Maracanã, surged in early 2025, with 320 incidents reported in January and February, surpassing the total for all of 2024 (208 cases), according to the Public Security Institute (ISP). Students report increasingly violent assaults, particularly on the ramp connecting UERJ to train and metro stations. The university has demanded a stronger police presence and is working on improving lighting in the area, which has also suffered from cable theft.
Street robbery in Botafogo increased by 71% in February 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, according to the Public Security Institute (ISP). The data includes thefts targeting pedestrians, cell phones, and incidents on public transport. To reduce the risk, residents are advised to avoid using phones in public and to remain vigilant, especially when walking alone or at night.
This Content Is Only For Subscribers
To unlock this content, subscribe to INTERLIRA Reports.
Concessionaire Light reported on Friday (25) the theft of 135 km of underground electricity and telecommunications cables between 2024 and April 2025, causing outages, surges, and power cuts, particularly in Ipanema, Copacabana, Downtown, and Barra da Tijuca. In just the first four months of 2025, 58,000 meters were stolen. For comparison, telecom companies lost 504,000 meters of cables in 2022, 137,643 in 2023, and 50,198 in the first half of 2024, according to Conexis. These crimes directly disrupt essential services like hospitals and public transport. The figures show concerns for year-on-year fluctuations, despite an overall downward trend.
01/04/2025 – On Tuesday (01/04) a homeless man entered a Military Police Outpost (DPO) located in Parque União, North Zone, to commit a robbery. During this incident, he violently assaulted a police officer, biting him repeatedly. The aggressor was arrested.
02/04/2025 – On Wednesday (02/04), a joint operation by Rio de Janeiro’s Civil Police and Public Prosecutor’s Office targeted a group of contract killers suspected of executing a lawyer in downtown Rio in 2024. Seven suspects, including three military police officers, were the subjects of 19 search warrants. The group, allegedly tied to organized crime and cigarette smuggling, is believed to be led by a former officer currently on the run. Authorities continue the investigation.
02/04/2025 – On Wednesday (02/04), the Civil Police launched an operation targeting a group suspected of defrauding entrepreneurs through a fake empanada franchise scheme. Agents from the 12th Police Station (Copacabana) executed four search and seizure warrants at luxury condos in Barra da Tijuca, as well as properties in Freguesia and Queimados. Investigators estimate losses at around R$ 1 million, with at least 10 victims identified. According to the police, the group offered franchise opportunities that were never delivered. In one case, a person lost R$ 300,000.
02/04/2025 – A police operation on Wednesday (02/04) targeted a São Paulo-based gang accused of robbing homes in Rio’s South Zone. The group traveled to Rio to commit the crimes, using fake weapons to subdue and tie up victims. Seven people were arrested, including a jeweler in Rio who allegedly bought stolen jewelry.
02/04/2025 – A man was stabbed on Wednesday afternoon (02/04) inside the restroom of West Shopping, in Campo Grande, West Zone. According to the mall administration, the incident occurred during a fight between two men, which was broken up by security guards. One of them stabbed the other and was detained on-site.
02/04/2025 – An 11-year-old boy was shot on Wednesday evening (02/04) while playing soccer in a courtyard inside a condominium, located on Rua Hélio Amaral, in Realengo, West Zone. Witnesses reported heavy gunfire in the area around 20:30. The circumstances of the shooting remain unclear.
02/04/2025 – Four days after being released from prison, a man with 24 prior criminal records attempted to burglarize an apartment in Jardim Guanabara, Ilha do Governador, on Wednesday (02/04). Using a window grate, he scaled a wall over three meters high and entered through an open window. The apartment belonged to the building’s janitor. While trying to flee, he fell and injured himself. Though nothing was stolen, the suspect was recognized by witnesses and caught shortly after.
02/04/2025 – Two trans women were arrested in Copacabana on Wednesday (02/04) for extorting a 55-year-old Norwegian tourist by threatening to release intimate videos. According to police, the extortion began on 22 March, totaling around R$ 35,000 in losses for the victim, with attempted demands reaching up to R$ 80,000. The suspects approached the tourist at his hotel, where they were caught in the act by officers from the Tourist Support Police (Deat). Two additional suspects remain at large.
03/04/2025 – A military police officer was found shot dead inside his car on Avenida Brasil, near Vila Kennedy, West Zone, early Thursday morning (03/04). The vehicle was discovered with its doors open and multiple bullet holes. The victim, identified as a PM from the 41st Battalion (Irajá), had a pistol placed on his body.
04/04/2025 – A man was shot and killed on Friday (04/04), after attempting an armed robbery in Botafogo, South Zone. According to initial reports, a federal police officer reacted to the attempted robbery at the corner of Rua Mena Barreto and Rua Sorocaba, shooting the suspect, who was carrying a replica firearm.
05/04/2025 – An armed conflict between rival militia groups triggered an intense shootout in the João XXIII area of Santa Cruz, West Zone, between Saturday night (05/04) and early Sunday (06/04). The clash reportedly stemmed from a territorial dispute involving members of a militia faction led by Paulo David Guimarães Ferraz Silva, known as Naval. The Military Police reinforced patrols in the area, but no arrests or injuries were reported.
05/04/2025 – A man was shot and killed on Saturday night (05/04) after resisting an armed robbery in the Rio Comprido neighborhood, North Zone. The victim was approached by two men on a motorcycle while sitting in his car on Rua Santa Alexandrina. He got out of the vehicle and began fighting one of the attackers. After about 20 seconds of fighting, the victim chased the suspects as they tried to flee but was shot by one of them.
06/04/2025 – A 20-year-old street vendor was shot and killed on Sunday morning (06/04) in Penha, North Zone, by an off-duty military police officer while setting up his stall at Praça Pan-Americana. Witnesses said the officer’s wife accused the victim of robbery before her husband fired three close-range shots. The officer was arrested.
06/04/2025 – A tourist was shot during a robbery attempt on Pier Mauá in Rio de Janeiro’s port zone on Sunday (06/04). According to witnesses, the victim, who was with his family and about to board a cruise, engaged in a physical struggle with the suspect near Warehouse 4. The assailant fled in a stolen car but was later intercepted by police on Avenida Barão de Tefé. He attempted to escape by exchanging gunfire with officers but was arrested. A revolver and stolen items were recovered.
06/04/2025 – On Sunday night (06/04), two armed men broke into a restaurant on Avenida Epitácio Pessoa, in Lagoa, South Zone, while it was closed to customers but still had staff and a few diners inside. The suspects assaulted one person, forced others to the back, and stole money, phones, and personal belongings. At least four victims escaped and alerted Segurança Presente officers nearby. Police arrived and arrested both.
07/04/2025 – During a joint police operation on Monday (07/04) in Morro Santo Amaro, in the Catete neighborhood, South Zone, civil and military officers discovered two metal gates used as barricades by drug traffickers, one already installed and another prepared for installation. Positioned at one of the main entrances to the favela, the gates were reinforced with barbed wire and spikes to block police access.
08/04/2025 – On Tuesday (08/04), Civil Police launched a new phase of Operation Containment to curb the expansion of the Red Command (CV) in Rio’s West Zone. Six people were arrested and four minors were detained, mostly in Gardênia Azul and the Anil neighborhood. In Gardênia Azul, police found suspects in a house taken over by drug traffickers, seizing pistols and ammunition. In Anil, officers attempted to serve four warrants, making three arrests in flagrante and one for extortion. One unrelated arrest for unpaid child support was not counted in the operation’s total.
08/04/2025 – On Tuesday morning (08/04), military police foiled an attempted robbery of a cigarette cargo in Flamengo, South Zone. Armed suspects on a motorcycle tried to intercept the delivery when officers from the 2nd BPM (Botafogo) spotted the crime. As police moved to intervene, the criminals opened fire. The officers did not return fire, and the suspects managed to escape.
08/04/2025 – On Tuesday (08/04), in the Urca neighborhood, South Zone, a man was arrested by the civil police for the rape of a 6-year-old girl. The arrest took place at his home.
08/04/2025 – On Tuesday night (08/04), a violent shootout caused panic in Vila Kennedy, in the Bangu neighborhood, West Zone, during a reported invasion attempt by drug traffickers. According to the Military Police, members of the Third Pure Command (TCP) from Vila Aliança and Senador Camará tried to take over territory controlled by the Red Command (CV). During the confrontation, vehicles were damaged, and residents reported intense gunfire starting around 22:30. Two armed suspects were arrested.
08/04/2025 – On Tuesday (08/04), Civil Police arrested a man on Estrada do Galeão, Ilha do Governador, North Zone, identified as one of Red Command’s (CV) top cargo thieves. He had ten outstanding arrest warrants. The suspect was part of a gang that hijacked trucks on highways, especially the Washington Luiz, forcing drivers at gunpoint to deliver goods to offload points. The stolen cargo was resold to finance the CV.
09/04/2025 – During a shootout with military police in the early hours of Wednesday (09/04) on Estrada do Dendê, in Ilha do Governador, North Zone, one armed suspect was killed, and two others were arrested. The men opened fire after refusing to stop at a police checkpoint. Officers seized two rifles, a grenade, a handgun, a radio transmitter, and a ballistic vest.
09/04/2025 – A military police officer was shot and killed during a robbery on Wednesday (09/04) in Rua Nazaré, in Anchieta, North Zone. The victim, who was off-duty and riding his motorcycle, was approached by two armed assailants on another bike. After stealing his belongings, the suspects fled on foot.
09/04/2025 – A man was robbed of his brand-new motorcycle just minutes after leaving a dealership on Wednesday (09/04) near Linha Amarela, in Bonsucesso, North Zone. He contacted the police, and officers from the Manguinhos UPP located the stolen vehicle at an access point to Vila do João, in the Maré complex. The suspects fled.
09/04/2025 – On Tuesday (09/04), a law student was threatened, insulted, and assaulted by an informal street attendant after refusing to pay R$20 to park in front of her university in Barra da Tijuca, West Zone. The man hit her car door, issued violent threats, and fled the scene.
09/04/2025 – Two Belgian tourists were allegedly drugged, assaulted, and robbed in Madureira, North Zone, on Tuesday (09/04), in what police suspect was a case of the “Boa noite, Cinderella” scam (spiked drink scam). The two had met a group at Pedra do Sal before heading to a bar in Madureira in the early hours of that day. One victim lost consciousness and woke up to find his friend unconscious and injured. Their phones, cards, and documents were stolen, with estimated losses exceeding €4,000.
10/04/2025 – On Thursday (10/04), Military Police carried out a major operation across seven communities in the Complexo da Maré, North Zone. The action targeted drug trafficking and vehicle theft. Officers were deployed to Vila dos Pinheiros, Vila do João, Morro do Timbau, Nova Maré, Baixa do Sapateiro, Salsa e Merengue, and Conjunto Esperança. The operation involved various special units, with additional support from expressway patrols. Barricades were removed, and no arrests or seizures were reported.
10/04/2025 – On Thursday (10/04), at least seven buses were hijacked and used as barricades in areas near the Complexo do Chapadão (Pavuna, Costa Barros, Anchieta, Ricardo de Albuquerque) and in the vicinity of the Linha Amarela, close to the Complexo da Maré, both in the North Zone. Military Police were mobilized in both locations, engaging in a confrontation in the Complexo do Chapadão, resulting in injuries, arrests, and weapon seizures. These actions were a tactic to divert attention from their operations in the areas.
10/04/2025 – On Thursday (10/04), two restaurants in Ipanema (Rio de Janeiro) were cited for selling counterfeit whisky during an anti-fraud operation led by Procon-RJ and the police. Officers seized 90 liters of illegal alcohol, including four bottles of counterfeit whisky with foreign-language labels and no official registration. Some of the products were also expired or unfit for consumption.
10/04/2025 – On Thursday (10/04), Dominican national Jeffry Ruben Musset-Rodriguez, wanted by the FBI for international cocaine trafficking, was arrested upon arrival at Galeão Airport, North Zone. He was using a fake Spanish passport and was listed on Interpol’s red notice. According to U.S. authorities, he is part of a network linked to Mexican cartels operating between Texas and Pennsylvania.
10/04/2025 – On Thursday (10), security footage captured a man being surrounded and threatened by three thieves on two motorcycles on Rua Cruz Lima, in Flamengo, South Zone. One of the assailants pointed a gun at the victim, who was forced to hand over his belongings. This type of crime is increasingly common in the neighborhood, with residents reporting a surge in nighttime motorcycle robberies that put pedestrians at serious risk.
11/04/2025 – On Friday (11), armed criminals robbed a Samu ambulance in Vila Kennedy, West Zone, stealing a tablet used by medical staff during emergency calls. The crew was unharmed and reported the incident to the police. A police operation against organized crime was launched in the area shortly after the incident.
11/04/2025 – On Friday (11), a clash broke out between municipal guards and street vendors at Largo da Carioca, in downtown. Videos circulating on social media show a vendor on the ground being struck with batons, while others were dispersed with pepper spray. One person filming the incident had a taser pointed at them. According to city authorities, the footage will be reviewed to assess the conduct of the officers involved.
11/04/2025 – On Friday (11), a 26-year-old woman wanted for drug trafficking was arrested by civil police during her partner’s funeral at the Padre Cézare Vigezzi Cemetery in Itaguaí, in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro. She is accused of distributing cocaine for the PCC in areas controlled by the Comando Vermelho. Her partner, described as a “man of war” for the CV, had been killed earlier that day in a confrontation with police. According to investigators, the suspect remained trusted by leaders of both factions despite previous arrests.
12/04/2025 – On Saturday (12), two men were arrested on Praça Deodoro, in the Glória neighborhood, South Zone, with 200 kilograms of copper cables of unverified origin. The arrest took place near the Deodoro da Fonseca monument during a routine patrol by municipal agents. A third suspect managed to escape. One of the detained men had already been arrested ten times for cable theft.
12/04/2025 – On Saturday (12), a couple was arrested in Tomás Coelho, North Zone, suspected of involvement in the death of their 2-year-old son. The child was brought dead to a maternity hospital on April 9, with signs of abuse. The couple had a prior restraining order due to a previous attempted homicide investigation but were still in contact with the child. Authorities charged them with mistreatment and homicide, and a temporary arrest warrant was issued.
12/04/2025 – On Saturday night (12), a woman was assaulted while attempting to escape a robbery on Rua Sorocaba, in Botafogo, South Zone. Security footage shows two men on motorcycles surrounding and attacking her when she tried to flee, dragging her by the hair and throwing her to the ground. Despite nearby traffic, the assailants were undeterred. The incident is under investigation, and police have reinforced patrols in the area.
14/04/2025 – In the early hours of Monday (14), a man was caught in the act after breaking into a residential building on Rua Prudente de Morais in Ipanema, South Zone. Injured while climbing over a wall, he left a trail of blood in the hallways and managed to enter a temporarily unoccupied apartment. Residents alerted the police, who found him inside the unit. No theft was reported.
14/04/2025 – On Monday (14), civil police and city officials removed five illegal gates installed by militia groups in Rio das Pedras, West Zone. The gates were part of an extortion scheme where residents were charged up to R$400 for keys, plus monthly “security” fees. The operation followed a public report exposing the growing number of gates—now around 15, with plans for 80. The militia also forces residents to pay for basic services like gas, water, and internet. Investigations are ongoing, and residents remain under constant threat.
15/04/2025 – On Tuesday (15), a heavy shootout broke out between civil police and armed traffickers during a major operation in the Tabajaras community, between Copacabana and Botafogo, South Zone. Elite CORE officers and helicopters advanced into the area to arrest suspects linked to the murder of officer João Pedro Marquini, a CORE agent who was brutally executed during a robbery in late March. Five suspects were killed, including “Cheio de Ódio,” a local drug boss described as extremely violent. Three others were arrested, and weapons seized. Gunfire forced streets to close and schools to shelter children indoors. The suspects, allegedly tied to the Comando Vermelho, reacted violently as police closed in, highlighting growing tensions in urban areas controlled by drug factions.
15/04/2025 – On Tuesday (15), Brazil’s Federal Police arrested a 70-year-old man in Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, for promoting Nazism by selling Nazi-themed items online. The suspect had been offering flags, emblems, and other objects bearing swastikas, which were seized during a search of his home. He was charged with the crime of Nazi propaganda, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine.
17/04/2025 – On Thursday (17), a shootout between military police and criminals in the Muzema community, in Itanhangá, West Zone, ended with two suspects arrested, one of whom was a fugitive. Officers seized three assault rifles, two grenades, and ammunition. The area is currently plagued by violent territorial disputes between drug traffickers and militias.
17/04/2025 – On Thursday (17), a police operation targeting vehicle theft sparked an intense shootout in the Serrinha community of Madureira, North Zone. Gunfire was reported from 06:20, with officers from the 9th, 41st, and 14th BPM involved. Criminals reportedly used homes in forested areas for ambushes. The violence disrupted four schools and at least two local health clinics.
17/04/2025 – On Thursday morning (17), three men were killed in a shootout with BOPE officers during a police operation in the Faz Quem Quer community, in Rocha Miranda, North Zone. The suspects, including two local gang leaders, were allegedly involved in the March killing of PM Third Sergeant Everton Brasil Pitombeira. Police also arrested three other individuals and seized three rifles, a pistol, a revolver, and drugs. The operation aimed to curb escalating conflicts between rival factions in the area.
17/04/2025 – On Thursday (17), the armored vehicle of a federal deputy was shot at by armed criminals in the Antares favela, in Santa Cruz, West Zone. The lawmaker was not injured. According to the police, the motive behind the attack remains unclear, and the shooter has not yet been identified. The incident was registered at the 36th Police Precinct, and investigations are underway.
17/04/2025 – On Thursday (17), during an operation targeting drug trafficking in the Terreirão neighborhood of Recreio dos Bandeirantes, West Zone, civil police raided key points controlled by the Comando Vermelho faction. One suspect opened fire on officers and was shot dead; another was arrested with drugs, a pistol, and radios used for criminal coordination. The arrested individual was taken into custody and charged with drug trafficking and criminal association.
18/04/2025 – Three men robbed an app-based driver in Cidade de Deus, West Zone, on Friday night (18). During the ride, the assailants placed a knife to the victim’s neck and took control of the vehicle. After the driver was released and alerted the police, officers located the stolen car near the community. The suspects attempted to flee but were caught and arrested shortly after. A knife, replica firearm, stolen phones, and the car were recovered.
19/04/2025 – On Saturday (19), a visitor was arrested while attempting to smuggle marijuana into the Dom Bosco Youth Detention Center on Ilha do Governador, North Zone. The drugs were hidden in a money belt. This marks the second consecutive weekend authorities intercepted drug smuggling attempts at the facility.
20/04/2025 – A man suspected of involvement in the killing of civil police officer João Pedro Marquini was arrested on Sunday (20), in Bangu, West Zone. Identified as one of the targets of a major police operation, the suspect initially gave false identification to officers but was exposed with the help of military police intelligence. A rifle and two pistols were also seized. Marquini, a CORE officer and husband of a judge, was assassinated on March 30 in Barra de Guaratiba.
21/04/2025 – Three criminals mugged a woman around 16:00 on Monday (21). The incident took place on Rua das Laranjeiras, in Laranjeiras, near Cosme Velho, South Zone.
21/04/2025 – A shooting occurred early Monday (21) at Rua João Luso, near Praça Centenário in Realengo, West Zone, when a man opened fire on a woman and a man, allegedly because he believed he was being filmed. Surveillance footage shows the suspect shouting “Are you going to film me?” before firing multiple times. The two victims sustained minor injuries and were taken to Hospital Municipal Albert Schweitzer, where they were later released. The shooter was arrested at the scene by Military Police and charged with attempted homicide.
23/04/2025 – On Wednesday (23), at a bus stop located on Avenida Ataulfo de Paiva, in Leblon, South Zone, a man committed an act of extortion and theft. He threatened his victim to force a transfer of R$ 2,000 via Pix, in addition to stealing a gold chain and headphones. The aggressor was arrested in the act by the police.
23/04/2025 – On Wednesday (23), three armed men robbed passengers on bus line 2336 (Campo Grande–Castelo) at 4:45 on Avenida Brasil. They threatened passengers, fired a shot into the air for intimidation, and tried unsuccessfully to destroy the security cameras. Footage shows the same group operating similarly since January. According to passengers, these assaults have become almost daily.
24/04/2025 – A major police operation targeting cable theft sparked intense shootouts on Thursday morning (24) as officers attempted to carry out court orders in the Fallet-Fogueteiro (Rio Comprido), and Andaraí, both in North Zone. Teams from Rio’s Civil Police, with support from Paraná state agents, were met with gunfire as they moved in to serve five arrest warrants and 46 search and seizure orders. The second phase of Operation “Caminhos do Cobre” led to the arrest of five individuals tied to a sophisticated criminal group that used trucks and fake utility uniforms to steal underground telecom and power cables. Authorities also seized large quantities of stolen material and ordered the freezing of R$ 200 million in assets linked to the scheme.
24/04/2025 – A man was arrested on Thursday morning (24) in the Rio das Pedras community, West Zone, during a Civil Police operation targeting a “romance scam” case. The suspect allegedly extorted R$ 500,000 from a woman in Pará, who believed she was in an online relationship with a foreigner. The victim made multiple transfers, thinking she was helping her partner. Investigations revealed the suspect laundered the money through a cryptocurrency company and operated on behalf of a Nigerian criminal group. Police also seized his phone, which will be examined as part of the ongoing probe into fraud and money laundering.
24/04/2025 – On Thursday (24), during a BOPE operation in Gardênia Azul, in the Jacarepaguá neighborhood, West Zone, a confrontation led to the death of a suspect. According to the Military Police, the man participated in an attack against police teams arriving in the community controlled by drug traffickers. The operation resulted in the seizure of weapons, ammunition, drugs, and other illicit materials. The aim of the operation was to repress criminal activity in the area.
24/04/2025 – On Thursday (24), police intercepted a drug trafficking operation at the Rio Bus Station, in Santo Cristo, where a woman was caught with 124 bricks of marijuana intended for transport to Fortaleza. The drugs had been purchased in the Complexo do Alemão, an area controlled by the Comando Vermelho. She was arrested at the boarding sector and admitted she would receive R$ 1,000 for transport.
25/04/2025 – On Friday (25), police arrested a suspect, in Santíssimo, in the Campo Grande neighborhood, West Zone, for involvement in the March shooting of a Civil Police helicopter co-pilot in Vila Aliança. The victim, Felipe Marques Monteiro, remains hospitalized. The arrested suspect is allegedly a top enforcer for drug lord “Sabão,” who controls several communities in the region.
28/04/2025 – A man was shot dead on Monday (28) afternoon at the entrance to the Terreirão community, in Recreio dos Bandeirantes, West Zone of Rio. The incident occurred on Avenida Gilka Machado, a busy area with lots of people and vehicles due to local businesses. The place where the man was killed is less than 100 meters from the corner of Avenida Lúcio Costa, where Praia do Recreio is located.
29/04/2025 – One of the biggest car thieves in the state of Rio was arrested on Tuesday on Avenida Itaoca, near Complexo do Alemão. Alan Pereira de Sousa, known as Zoio, committed robberies mainly in the city’s North Zone and is considered one of the leaders of the criminal group known as Bonde do Z, made up of thieves from the Camarista Méier, Barão de Santo Ângelo and Boca do Mato communities, all in Greater Méier and linked to Comando Vermelho (CV). According to the investigation, the group led by Zoio stole 13 vehicles in a single day.
29/04/2025 – Three men died during a confrontation between military police and drug traffickers in the Chapadão Complex, in the North Zone of Rio, on Tuesday. All were suspected of drug trafficking, said the Military Police. After the confrontation, a 5.56 caliber rifle, a replica of a rifle, and a pistol were seized.
29/04/2025 – Military Police officers exchanged gunfire with criminals on Tuesday on Linha Amarela, near Vila do João, in Complexo da Maré, in the North Zone of Rio. According to the PM, officers from the Expressway Policing Battalion (BPVE) and agents from the 22nd BPM (Maré) prevented a robbery on the highway and were attacked by shots fired by unidentified men. During the exchange of gunfire, traffic was interrupted in both directions.
29/04/2025 – A military police officer was shot in the arm in the early hours of Tuesday (29/04) morning in the Tijuquinha community, in Itanhangá, in the West Zone of Rio. According to the PM, he was patrolling the area with colleagues in uniform when he was hit. The officer was rushed to a local hospital. According to data from the Fogo Cruzado Institute, 45 security police officers were shot in the Rio Metropolitan Region this year. Of these, 26 died and 19 were injured.
30/04/2025 – A 17-year-old teenager was shot dead on Wednesday night (30) when he was, according to his family, on his way to a birthday party to work as a dancer. According to the Military Police, Gabriel dos Santos Vieira was riding on the back of a motorcycle taxi driver, Vanderson Pinto, 40, when there was an exchange of gunfire between PMs and men who were in a vehicle on Adhemar Bebiano road, in Engenho da Rainha, north zone.
30/04/2025 – Two military police officers were injured after a chase of criminals, followed by a shootout, on Avenida Brasil, near the West Zone of Rio, in Campo Grande, in the early hours of Wednesday. The officers were taken to the Rocha Faria Municipal Hospital. After receiving treatment, both were released. The suspects fled in the direction of Bangu.
TRENDS & ADVICE
- During summer months, mass robberies and thefts in tourist spots become the most prevalent security risks in Rio de Janeiro, especially in the city’s South Zone.
- Crowded beaches and its vicinities should be avoided.
- 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.
- As sexual aggressions are on the rise, women should pay special attention to the environments where they go to, avoid empty and dark places.
- During a night out, never accept offers (food and beverage) from strangers, as they can put some drugs in.
- 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 they 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
