Feb 11 • 13:46 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil G1 (PT)

Fugitive identified as the head of the militia in Rio das Pedras is arrested in Iguaba Grande

Diego Luccas Pereira, known as 'Playboy', identified as the leader of a militia in Rio das Pedras, was arrested while being a fugitive from justice.

Diego Luccas Pereira, also known as 'Playboy', was arrested by the Public Ministry on Tuesday, October 10, in Iguaba Grande, where he had been hiding after evading justice. He is accused of being the leader of a militia operating in the Rio das Pedras community in West Zone Rio de Janeiro. This militia is reported to engage in various criminal activities and has a notorious presence in the local area, often collaborating with members of the security forces.

The investigation revealed that the militia exercises territorial control over its communities in Praça Seca and is involved in a broad spectrum of criminal operations. This revelation sheds light on the complex dynamics between organized crime and law enforcement in Brazil, showcasing how even individuals in positions of power within the law enforcement agencies may be complicit in criminal activities. The arrest of Pereira marks a notable step in tackling organized crime in the region.

Moreover, Pereira's arrest has connections to his brother, Leonardo Luccas Pereira, also known as 'Leléo' or 'Tico', who remains at large with multiple arrest warrants issued against him. The ongoing efforts of the authorities aim not only to apprehend Leonardo but also to dismantle the broader criminal infrastructure that has plagued the region for years. This incident highlights the persistent challenges faced by Brazilian law enforcement in combating militia activity and the urgent need for systemic reforms to strengthen public safety in these areas.

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