José Matheus Silveira Carneiro, also known as Galo Cego, was captured on October 10 during a police operation in Morro do Vidigal, Rio de Janeiro. Authorities from Tocantins state have identified him as a key figure in a rash of violent crimes, particularly implicated in at least 20 murders throughout the region this year. The operation was executed by the Special Resources Coordination (Core) of Rio de Janeiro in collaboration with Tocantins' Civil Police, reflecting a concentrated effort to apprehend dangerous criminals who disrupt public safety across states.

The operation marks the fifth phase of 'Operation Gotham City,' which has seen multiple arrests and the dismantling of criminal networks in Tocantins. Notably, during the recent arrest, gunfire erupted in Vidigal, indicating the potentially violent resistance from those involved in organized crime. The police had previously issued several arrest warrants, showcasing the ongoing struggle against crime in both Tocantins and Rio de Janeiro, as they aim to reduce the influence and activities of individuals like Galo Cego.

As of the latest update, efforts to contact Galo Cego's legal representatives have been unsuccessful, leaving his defense strategy unclear. The implications of his arrest may extend beyond immediate legal repercussions; it underscores the collaborative efforts of police forces across different states to combat rampant violence and organized crime, suggesting a more strategic approach to handling crime that crosses regional boundaries in Brazil.