01/06/2022 – A group specialized in cargo diversion was the target of Operation Resina, launched by the Civil Police and the Rio de Janeiro’s Public Ministry (MPRJ). According to investigations, the gang defrauded, with the participation of employees of the company that was targeted, the loss of resin shipments that had actually been diverted by the group. In order to not raise suspicions, the criminals would then report to the police an alleged theft that would have been committed by someone else. Agents seek to fulfill 21 search and seizure warrants in the cities of Rio de Janeiro, Duque de Caxias, Magé, Nova Iguaçu, Mesquita, Seropédica and Piraí. The group had two cores: one composed of employees of the company that owns the product and the other of businessmen who own transport companies and drivers, co-opted to falsely report the crime of theft.
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Our analysis:
It is not uncommon for dishonest employees to try to commit crimes against the company that they work for. The reasons are diverse, but one thing in common about thefts against the company’s private property is knowledge about the company’s procedures and security policies, which turn the crimes easier for them to execute or to order other criminals to perform. One manner to avoid this type of crime is to perform thorough background check before hiring someone. It is advisable to hire a specialized company to do so. This is even more important when conducting international trade with an unknown company or with a company without reliable references. In addition, when the crime has already occurred, it is quite important to hire a specialized security team to proceed with mitigation measures to reduce the chances of the problem reappearing. This team can also make a liaison with local security forces that will be responsible for the formal investigation. Such connection can facilitate the exchange of information between the two sides and accelerate the case solution.
01/06/2022 – A civil police officer was killed after being shot during an attempted robbery on Pastor Martin Luther King Júnior Ave., in Inhaúma, North Zone. He was approached by four armed criminals, who shot him and then fled towards the Galinha community.
01/06/2022 – A man died in a house fire in the Estácio neighborhood, Central Region. Witnesses said the fire may have been criminal. According to them, a neighbor set a mattress on fire near a door, and after that, the flames spread. Due to mobility difficulties, the victim was unable to leave in time and ended up not surviving
03/05/2022 – Police officers arrested three men who allegedly committed at least 12 serial robberies in the last two weeks in the Barra da Tijuca neighborhood, West Zone. According to the police, the gang operated, above all, in the exit of nightclubs and restaurants, precisely taking advantage of a moment of distraction, whether when boarding or disembarking the vehicles.
06/06/2022 – Criminals robbed in the drive-thru queue of a cafeteria in Barra da Tijuca neighborhood, West Zone. Armed with rifles, at least eight criminals took a luxury car in addition to cell phones, wallets, watches, and other belongings of at least six customers. According to investigations, they would have disembarked from vehicles in the parking lot of a pharmacy, neighboring the establishment, and approached the victims on foot.
Our analysis:
Reacting to a robbery is very risky. Usually, the person carrying a gun has a big advantage over the unarmed victim. Besides, a simple escape attempt can have a fatal outcome, since the offender is also in a stressful situation, and may take unthinking and disproportionate measures. It is therefore important to remain as calm as possible. The most precious asset to protect in such cases is human life, so the best thing to do is to let the perpetrators take the assets so that the physical integrity of the victims is guaranteed.
06/06/2022 – Police officers arrested two brothers accused of being involved in deals of stolen luxury vehicles. According to the police, the brothers are suspected of being one of the great recipients of luxury vehicles stolen by criminals in the North Zone. The vehicles are then “dismantled” for the sale of parts
09/06/2022 – A shooting on Barão de São Félix Street, Central do Brasil region, temporarily interrupted traffic on VLT’s lines 2 and 3. People passing by reported an intense shooting around 8h. According to Military Police, the incident occurred after police officers were attacked by individuals as they were passing through Morro da Providência.
09/06/2022 – Civil Police arrested 4 people during an inspection operation of junkyards in Tijuca region, North Zone. 4 were interdicted. The action aims to curb crimes involving theft and reception of equipment from public service concessionaires. According to the Civil Police, the establishments targeted by the operation are the main suppliers of metallic materials, mainly copper, from large recyclers.
09/06/2022 – Two women were found burned and beheaded after a fire in a luxury property in Flamengo neighbourhood, South Zone. Two men that worked as painters for the victims were arrested for the crime.
13/06/2022 – A woman was taken by criminals in a robbery in Vargem Grande neighborhood, West Zone. The criminals called the victim’s husband and forced him to make a PIX of R$ 5.000.
13/06/2022 – Military police managed to free an elderly woman who was held hostage inside Parque Library, downtown. The criminal, who threatened the victim with a knife, was arrested and taken to the police station.
15/06/2022 – The police arrested three people identified as members of a gang that steals in the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, South Zone. According to investigations, they pretended to be street vendors to distract victims and steal bank cards to make purchases and withdrawals. Main targets were foreign tourists.
18/06/2022 – A suspect was shot, and an elderly man was injured after a chase with gunfire that ended with the collision of two vehicles. According to the Military Police, the case took place after a group that committed crimes in Ladeira da Glória.
24/06/2022 – An app driver was arrested by police officers from the Women’s Service Station (DEAM) suspected of raping a passenger during a ride in Barra da Tijuca, West Zone. Civil Police say the suspect ‘took advantage of the passenger’s drunken state’, went to the back seat, and committed the crime.
25/06/2022 – A security guard died during an exchange of fire with robbers at the Village Mall, a luxury mall in Barra da Tijuca, West Zone of Rio, on Saturday (25). According to witnesses, the confrontation took place around 18h, after an attempted robbery of a jewellery store in the shopping mall. An employee was even taken hostage in the criminals’ escape but was later released. Twelve bandits took part in the action, armed with pistols and long-barreled weapons. According to reports from people who were at the scene, dozens of shots were fired inside and outside the mall.
24/06/2022 – A shootout between military police and criminals closed Avenida Brasil for 20 minutes, near Cordovil, North Zone. The operation, carried out in the communities of Parada de Lucas and Vigário Geral, was intended to prevent the movement of drug dealers.
Our analysis:
There is always an expressive risk of shooting in most police operations. Before leaving home or work, people in the area must also check if shootouts or mass robberies have been related in the past few hours to avoid getting caught in the middle of a dangerous situation. Stray bullets are a real threat in Rio de Janeiro, and the proper security protocols must be followed to guarantee personnel safety like: seeking shelter in nearby buildings; laying down on the floor near robust obstacles; staying away from doors and windows; and giving extra protection to children.
25/06/2022 – Criminals robbed a gas station in Ramos neighbourhood, North Zone, and forced employees and customers to carry stolen products from the convenience store to their vehicles.
25/06/2022 – The car of Rio councilor Luciano Vieira, from Avante, was shot at. The vehicle’s glass was marked by the shot, but as the car is armored, the councilor was not injured. Two men in helmets on a motorcycle fired the shots. He turned on the car alarm and the criminals fled.
25/06/2022 – A shooting with robbers after an attempted robbery of a jewellery store in Village Mall, a luxury mall in Barra da Tijuca, West Zone of Rio, ended up with a security guard dead. According to witnesses, the confrontation took place around 18h. An employee was even taken hostage in the criminals’ escape but was later released. Twelve bandits took part in the action, armed with pistols and long-barrelled weapons.
27/06/2022 – An ex-military was shot dead inside a SuperVia train car. The crime took place near the Deodoro station, West Zone. According to witnesses, when the train stopped at the station, the man got up and shot the victim, who was sitting.
TRENDS & ADVICE
- During summer months, mass robberies and thefts in touristic spots become the most prevalent security risks in Rio de Janeiro, specially 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.
- In the case of being in the immediate vicinity of a shootout:
- Lay on the ground and seek cover.
- When it is safe to do so, find the nearest building, stay away from windows, do not move unless you are sure that the gunfire has ended.
- Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas or beaches after nightfall. Avoid walking through tunnels.
- Avoid the vicinity of crime-prone areas such as ‘communities’ (so-called ‘favelas’) and lower-income neighborhoods.
- Be always cautious, even in the areas considered safe such as Downtown, Botafogo, Copacabana and Ipanema. Exercise caution in the Centro during the day and avoid the area after nightfall and on Sundays.
