The Military Police reported that during the 2026 carnival in Rio de Janeiro, 358 people were arrested and 53 minors were detained as part of ongoing law enforcement operations.
The Military Police of Rio de Janeiro released a partial report detailing their actions during the carnival weekend from Friday, February 13, to Monday, February 16, 2026. In total, 358 individuals were arrested, and 53 minors were detained across various regions of the state. Notably, among the arrests was a man who was wanted by the justice system, captured at an event in Cacuia on the Ilha do Governador, an area in the North Zone of the city.
The man was identified through facial recognition technology used by police in their patrol vehicles. Officials from the 17th Battalion confirmed his identity, revealing that he was originally from the state of Paraíba and had been on the run. Further investigations revealed that he had a history of involvement with a criminal organization known for committing robberies against financial institutions and luxury homes in the 1990s, led by the infamous Mauricinho Botafogo.
In addition to these arrests, the police reported the seizure of over 79 dangerous items during their inspections as partygoers accessed various blocos and megablocos in the city’s downtown area. This crackdown highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and the measures law enforcement is taking to ensure a safer environment during large-scale events such as the carnival, which attracts millions of visitors every year.
