In a troubling development in Sobral, Ceará, a criminal operation to extort water distributors has been uncovered, with the threat originating from a member of the Comando Vermelho gang based in Rio de Janeiro. The extortionists attempted to charge a fee for each water container sold by suppliers and also sought to impose fees on local merchants. This situation escalated when a video surfaced on social media showing a water distributor announcing his business closure due to threats, prompting authorities to act swiftly.

Following the public outcry and the dissemination of the video, at least ten individuals were arrested over the course of a few days, charged with being part of the extortion scheme. The operation's coordination was traced back to a criminal named "Wilker", also known as "Big Smurf", who was once a leader of the Comando Vermelho in Sobral's Alto da Brasília neighborhood but is now believed to be hiding in Rio de Janeiro. The gang had plans to regulate water sales strictly, indicating a broader attempt to exert control over local commerce through intimidation.

This case highlights the rising influence of organized crime in local economies, affecting essential services like water supply. The involvement of a well-known gang in the region raises concerns about public safety and the challenges law enforcement faces in curbing such criminal activities. The authorities are now focused on dismantling this extortion scheme and restoring order to ensure that local businesses can operate free from fear of violence and intimidation.