An investigation by G1 has uncovered serious flaws in how sexual harassment victims are treated in São Paulo’s public transportation system. Multiple women reported being groped or assaulted aboard trains or in metro stations such as Pinheiros and República, or on lines 7-Rubi and 9-Esmeralda. However, they described receiving little to no support from on-site security agents, with some even discouraged from reporting the incidents. In 2023, data obtained through the Freedom of Information Law (LAI) showed that at least one case of sexual harassment was registered every 14 hours in São Paulo’s train and metro system. This gap between institutional promises and lived experiences raises concerns about the current effectiveness of measures meant to protect women on São Paulo’s public transit.
02/03/2025 – A 20-year-old student was reportedly raped by two police officers on Rodovia Anchieta, inside a police car.
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04/03/2025 – The Civil Police are investigating the death of a 22-year-old man in the early hours of Tuesday (04) in the southern zone of São Paulo. The victim and the perpetrator argued inside a bus on Avenida Senador Teotônio Vilela, in Jardim São Rafael. A man shot the victim and fled the scene.
05/03/2025 – On Wednesday (05/03), a nursing technician, had her car stolen from in front of her house in Parque do Carmo, east of São Paulo, by a tow truck. She was at home when the crime happened and noticed that her vehicle was no longer where she had left it. She looked at the security cameras and realized that the criminals had put her car on a tow truck and taken it. Michelle has already called the police, who have not yet been able to identify the suspects or locate the tow truck used, but are working to recover the vehicle.
05/03/2025 – A couple was robbed by a group of ten criminals on Avenida Mário de Andrade, in Barra Funda, west of São Paulo. The victims were waiting for a bus when they were approached and had their cell phones and other belongings stolen. During the action, which lasted 15 seconds, there was an exchange of punches and kicks. The images of the robbery, captured by a resident, are helping the police in their investigation. The Military Police carried out searches in the area, but no one has been arrested so far.
07/03/2025 – A robbery took place at a bakery in the Pinheiros neighborhood of São Paulo, where armed criminals held customers hostage and demanded cell phones. A customer, wearing a white shirt, tried to fight back and was shot. Security cameras recorded the robbers fleeing, taking five cell phones. The injured man was rescued and is out of danger.
07/03/2025 – One man kidnapped an 11-year-old girl. The girl was taken on the back of a motorcycle from a gas station. She was with a friend buying candy when she was approached by a man on a motorcycle with no license plate. The police were called, but a medical student who was walking on Marginal Tietê, one of the busiest avenues in the capital, saw the child trying to escape and managed to save her.
09/03/2025 – A woman was robbed by two suspects, on the corner of Lydia Ferrari Magnoli and Mário Augusto do Carmo streets, in Vila Prudente, east of São Paulo, around 15:30, on Sunday (09/03). After attacking the woman, the criminal robbed a vehicle that was nearby. Nobody was arrested.
09/03/2025 – A gang fled after setting up a barricade with burned cars, crossing a bus on a road and shooting at the Metropolitan Civil Guard in an attempted robbery of an ATM in Parelheiros, in the south of São Paulo, in the early hours of this Sunday (9). GCM agents informed that a group of around eight suspects tried to break into the terminal in a market on Estrada da Barragem, around 4:30. Nobody was arrested.
08/03/2025 – On Saturday (08/03), a 45-year-old ride-hailing driver was shot during a failed robbery attempt on Marechal Fiuza de Castro Avenue, in Butantã, West Zone. Two men on a motorcycle attempted to rob him before shooting and fleeing without taking anything.
09/03/2025 – Six phone thieves were arrested on Sunday (09/03), in the Jardins neighborhood, South Zone, during a post-Carnival Street party by undercover police officers disguised as superheroes. Three victims identified them, and two accomplices are still being sought.
10/03/2025 – The body of a woman with a bag over her head and signs of assault was found on Monday (10/03), around 3:00 on Avenida Deputado Cantídio Sampaio, in the Cachoeirinha neighborhood, North Zone. The victim, who has not been identified, was pronounced dead at the scene. The case is being treated as a homicide by the police.
10/03/2025 – The police conducted an operation against the resale of stolen phones on Monday (10/03), across the state of São Paulo, seizing 10,520 devices. Nearly 2,000 officers inspected stores and locations identified through phone tracking. Major hubs for fencing were found in Paraisópolis, Liberdade, República, and Santa Ifigênia.
10/03/2025 – A man punched his partner 12 times in the face inside a supermarket in Alameda Barão de Limeira, in the República neighborhood, in downtown São Paulo, on Monday (10/03). Surveillance cameras captured the attack, and an employee reported it to the authorities. The suspect, a 21-year-old with a prior theft conviction was arrested.
11/03/2025 – Two military police officers were filmed assaulting a street vendor with a baton during a checkpoint on Rangel Pestana Avenue, in the Brás district, downtown São Paulo, on Tuesday (11/03). The police are investigating the incident.
11/03/2025 – A retired military police officer exchanged gunfire with robbers during an attempted robbery at a pharmacy in Brooklin, South Zone, on Tuesday (11/03). The shootout occurred on Avenida Padre Antônio José dos Santos. One suspect was shot in the leg before fleeing.
11/03/2025 – Military police officers forced their way into a house and assaulted a resident with a taser and punches during an operation in the Ipiranga district, South Zone, on Tuesday (11/03). The man was handcuffed and arrested for “resistance.” The officers were searching for a domestic violence suspect who was not present but continued their intervention despite protests from residents. The police are investigating the officers’ conduct.
12/03/2025 – Two suspects were shot during a gunfight with police after a chase on Marginal Tietê in the Jaguará neighborhood, West Zone, on Wednesday (12/03), around 04:00. The incident occurred before Ponte dos Remédios, and weapons were found in their vehicle. According to the police, they had committed robberies during the night before exchanging gunfire with officers.
12/03/2025 – A homemade bomb exploded on Tuesday (12/03) at the Pinheiros bus terminal in the West Zone of São Paulo, causing no injuries. Police secured the area, and the GATE (Special Tactical Actions Group of the Military Police) neutralized a second device. Two suspects, identified on surveillance footage, are involved but have not been arrested, and their motive remains unknown.
12/03/2025 – The military police dismantled a clandestine clinic used by a criminal organization to treat criminals wounded in shootouts, in Sapopemba, East Zone, on Wednesday night (12/03). The facility was equipped with stolen medications, surgical equipment, and medical beds. During the operation, a wounded robber, a biomedical professional, a nurse, and a cleaning woman were found on-site. Only the suspect was arrested. He was the criminal injured during a pharmacy robbery in Brooklin on Tuesday (11/03).
12/03/2025 – The civil police arrested a man in possession of homemade weapons, ammunition, knives, and a grenade in Rua Rodrigo de Lucena, in Parque São Rafael, East Zone, on Wednesday (12/03). Alerted by his father, who reported that he was barricaded with explosives, officers from the GER (Special Reaction Group) intervened. During the arrest, the suspect attempted to attack the police with a knife before being subdued with a taser. In addition, according to the police, notes detailing plans for possible terrorist actions, as well as flags and symbols linked to the Muslim terrorist group Islamic State, were found.
13/03/2025 – A traffic agent from the Companhia de Gestão do Tráfego (CET) was shot dead during a robbery attempt in the Parque Chácara do Jockey neighborhood, In Butantã, West Zone, on Thursday (13/03). The victim’s body camera, which was recording at the time, captured the attack. The criminal, disguised as a delivery worker, threatened him with a gun to steal his phone and wedding ring. The agent resisted and was shot at least four times.
14/03/2025 – A registered sport shooter, hunter, and collector (CAC) was shot by criminals on a motorcycle after resisting a robbery attempt on Friday (14/03), in Cidade Dutra, South Zone. Surveillance footage captured the moment the assailants attempted to rob him, but he retaliated, firing at them. The criminals then shot him before fleeing empty-handed.
14/03/2025 – The Colombian vice-consul was shot during an attempted armed robbery on Avenida Nove de Julho, in the Jardins district, West Zone, on Friday (14/03). An off-duty police officer intervened against three criminals attacking a taxi, leading to a shootout. One suspect was arrested, while the others remain at large.
14/03/2025 – A military police officer was shot five times while working an off-duty security job in Rua Dr. José Áureo Bustamante, Santo Amaro, South Zone, near the U.S. Consulate-General, on Friday (14/03). Security footage captured two armed criminals on a motorcycle ambushing the officer on the sidewalk. As he attempted to draw his weapon, the suspects opened fire, pursued him, and stole his firearm before fleeing.
14/03/2025 – A wave of armed robberies in the Ipiranga district, South Zone of São Paulo, occurred over three consecutive days from Friday to Sunday (14 to 16/03). Criminals on motorcycles targeted victims on the streets and near residential buildings, stealing valuables in swift operations. Surveillance footage captured the incidents. In January 2025, the area recorded 114 robberies and 260 thefts.
15/03/2025 – The military police discovered a “crime bunker” in Vila Andrade, South Zone, on Saturday (15/03). The location contained seven firearms, over 1,800 rounds of ammunition, magazines, and keys to luxury cars. Secured by a reinforced door and featuring a secret escape route, the site was identified following a kidnapping report. No suspects were arrested.
16/03/2025 – A man was robbed and dragged by a car during a cellphone robbery on Rua Mourato Coelho in Pinheiros, West Zone, at dawn on Sunday (16/03). The victim, a 45-year-old film producer, was waiting for a ride when a group in a white car stole his phone. Trying to recover it, he held onto the vehicle but was dragged several meters before falling and suffering a head injury.
16/03/2025 – Eight criminals carried out a swift robbery at an Ultrafarma pharmacy in Americanópolis, South Zone, on Sunday (16/03). Surveillance footage shows them entering with bags, stealing products within 20 seconds, and leaving. Employees attempted to stop them but failed.
17/03/2025 – A street race in the early hours of Monday (17/03), in Tatuapé, East Zone, led to the overturning of a Volkswagen T-Cross, which crashed into two parked vehicles before flipping over. The driver fled the scene with the help of an accomplice. Police have launched an investigation and identified the suspect.
18/03/2025 – A motorcyclist was attacked during a robbery on Tuesday (18/03), on Rua Capitão Mor Rodrigues de Almeida, in Jaguara, West Zone. Five criminals ambushed him, one throwing a bicycle to make him fall, while another shot him in the back. The assailants stole his motorcycle, which was later found abandoned in Osasco.
18/03/2025 – A 70-year-old woman was kidnapped on Tuesday (18/03), in the Saúde neighborhood, South Zone, when three armed criminals forced her into her car. She was held hostage for 12 hours in Americanópolis, where the gang made bank transfers from her account. On Wednesday morning (19/03), the Civil Police’s Anti-Kidnapping Division (DAS) located the site, rescued the victim, and arrested one suspect.
19/03/2025 – The civil police of São Paulo arrested on Wednesday (19/03), in Paraisópolis, South Zone, a man suspected of being the motorcycle pilot involved in the murder of cyclist Vitor Medrado, on 13 February. In February, a woman was also captured, suspected of financing motorcycle robberies.
19/03/2025 – A patient reported being assaulted by security guards at a UPA in Campo Limpo, South Zone, on Wednesday night (19/03). The incident occurred when he requested to leave without treatment, claiming he had private health insurance. Security guards allegedly used force to remove him, and a video shows him on the ground being surrounded and attacked by at least four guards.
19/03/2025 – A woman was sexually harassed by a motorcyclist while inside her car on Avenida Brigadeiro Luís Antônio in Jardim Paulista, Central São Paulo, on Wednesday (19/03). The man followed her through multiple intersections and made obscene gestures when she stopped at a red light. After she posted the video online, at least two more women came forward, identifying the same aggressor in similar incidents. Police are investigating.
20/03/2025 – On Thursday afternoon (20/03), a man was kidnapped in the Brasilândia neighborhood, North Zone, by four armed men and held captive in a garage. During the police rescue operation the next day, Friday (21/03), officers exchanged gunfire with the suspects, shooting two of them in the legs.
21/03/2025 – A cable theft at Giovanni Gronchi station, in the Vila Andrade district, South Zone, caused major delays on Line 5–Lilás on Friday morning (21/03). Trains between Santo Amaro and Giovanni Gronchi ran at reduced speed, leading to overcrowding across the line. The issue began around 6:08, but ViaMobilidade only activated the Paese bus system at 7:52 a.m. This is the second cable theft affecting Line 5 in 2025; two similar incidents occurred in 2024.
21/03/2025 – A cable theft at Giovanni Gronchi station, in the Vila Andrade district, South Zone, caused major delays on Line 5–Lilás this Friday morning (21). Trains between Santo Amaro and Giovanni Gronchi ran at reduced speed, leading to overcrowding across the line. The issue began around 6:08, but ViaMobilidade only activated the Paese bus system at 7:52. Platforms and trains were packed, with passengers facing long lines and access difficulties. This is the second cable theft affecting Line 5 in 2025; two similar incidents occurred in 2024.
21/03/2025 – A 46-year-old man was fatally shot at close range by a military police officer on Friday night (21/03), on Rua Laura Bossi, in the José Bonifácio neighborhood, East Zone. According to the police, the man was carrying drugs, resisted arrest, and allegedly grabbed one officer’s gun during a struggle before being shot. The incident is under investigation.
21/03/2025 – A 19-year-old black man was violently assaulted by military police officers in front of his home, in the Jardim Colina neighborhood, in the Sacomã district, South Zone, on Friday night (21/03). Pinned to the ground, he was punched and kicked as outraged neighbors shouted. The police claim he resisted arrest.
22/03/2025 – Three armed thieves stole a luxury motorcycle from a rider inside the garage of a building on Rua Barão do Triunfo, in Campo Belo, South Zone, on Saturday (22/03). The victim was surrounded right after opening the gate. The suspects fled with the motorcycle; no one was arrested.
23/03/2025 – A luxury motorcycle was stolen from a rider on Sunday (23/03), in the Tatuapé neighborhood, East Zone. Security camera footage shows six men on four motorcycles surrounding the victim and taking his bike. No one was arrested.
23/03/2025 – Two suspects were killed and two others arrested after a police chase ended in a shootout on Avenida Doutor Mário Vilas Boas Rodrigues, in Santo Amaro, South Zone, around 20:30 on Sunday (23/03). The four men tried to flee in a stolen car and opened fire on the approaching officers. The vehicle had been reported stolen on 16 February and was using fake license plates.
25/03/2025 – Six men were arrested on Tuesday (25/03), during a police operation targeting a kidnapping gang operating in São Paulo. The suspects are accused of abducting a lawyer in the Perdizes neighborhood, West Zone of the city, on 11 November 2024, stealing over R$ 50,000 from his accounts. The arrests took place across São Paulo, Cotia, Itapevi, Taboão da Serra, and Osasco.
25/03/2025 – An attempted robbery at a commercial establishment on Avenida da Barreira Grande, in the Vila Bancária neighborhood, East Zone, ended with three people shot on Tuesday (25/03). According to police, the suspect was killed in a shootout with officers after injuring the store owner with a grazing gunshot to the head. A bystander was also hit by a stray bullet.
25/03/2025 – Former footballer Régis Fernandes Silva, known as Régis Pitbull, was arrested on Tuesday (25/03), for assaulting the 69-year-old deputy manager of his residential building in Pirituba, West Zone. Surveillance footage shows the ex-player headbutting and punching the victim inside an elevator, breaking three of the man’s teeth. The incident follows years of complaints about the former athlete’s disruptive behavior in the building, amid his long-standing struggles with crack addiction.
26/03/2025 – The São Paulo Civil Police arrested a suspect, on Wednesday (26/03), in Vila Sabrina, North Zone, for various serious crimes. He is accused of sexual abuse of a 12-year-old minor, promoting Nazism, and possessing child sexual abuse material. The investigation, which began in December 2024, revealed that he allegedly forced the girl to self-harm. During a search of his residence, authorities discovered Nazi paraphernalia, weapons, and child sexual abuse material.
28/03/2025 – A sexual harassment incident occurred aboard a Line 11-Coral CPTM train on Friday morning (28/03), when a man allegedly exposed himself and cornered a woman inside a train car near Tatuapé Station, East Zone. Witnesses reported that the man pulled down his pants and exposed his genitals before approaching the victim. Other passengers intervened and assaulted the suspect before station security detained him.
TRENDS & ADVICE
- Stay away from any protest most likely to occur in the city center, including Avenida Paulista, the MASP, Praça do Ciclista, Praça da Sé, Largo da Batata, and Praça da Republica. Monitor the local media to circumvent protest locations, including social media.
- If caught in a demonstration:
- remain still and take the time to see which way the crowd is going,
- attempt to leave the area by going against the movement of the crowd,
- avoid using your mobile phone, taking pictures, or filming the demonstration,
- Go to the nearest building as soon as possible and wait until the situation clears,
- try to avoid contact with security forces, if possible.
- Attention when walking downtown São Paulo, especially in Liberdade and Sé districts, and on Rua 25 de Março.
- At night, these regions are no-go zones.
- Considering the high crime rate of some locations in São Paulo, business travelers, and expatriates should comply with security rules to reduce the risks linked to violent crimes.
- In case of an assault, it is strictly recommended not to resist and avoid making any abrupt movement that may irritate criminals, who do not hesitate to open fire.
- Avoid, if possible, circulating through the neighborhoods in the East and North Zones, and peripheral neighborhoods in other zones due to the high rates of various crimes.
- Due to several police operations, drug users previously concentrated in a region called “Cracolândia” have spread across downtown, leading to an increase in petty crimes and violent aggressions. Hence, avoid walking around with your cell phone in your hand, in addition to wearing jewels and expensive watches.
- 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.
- Attention to the windows when inside a vehicle. Keep them closed, as criminals use heavy traffic to rob passengers with exposed valuables, like a cell phone.
- Attention to scams that may reach you through a WhatsApp message, e-mail, SMS, or a call.
- Be careful when trying to meet new people on the internet as criminals use dating apps and social networks to apply scams and assaults.
- The number of express kidnappings is still high.
- Criminals use violence to make their victims transfer all their money via PIX.
- Cooperate to mitigate the risk of violence.
- Keep in mind useful numbers: Emergency police number (190), and São Paulo tourist Police (+55 11 3120 4417).
