A man suspected of being involved with a militia operating in Rio das Pedras, in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro, was apprehended by civil police while he slept in a hideout in Maricá on Wednesday. His arrest followed a preventive detention order executed by the Delegacia de Repressão às Ações Criminosas Organizadas e Inquéritos Especiais (Draco-IE). The police investigation indicates that he played a significant role in the financial operations of the paramilitary organization, which is involved in various criminal activities in the regions of Rio das Pedras, Muzema, and surrounding areas.

According to the Civil Police, the arrested suspect was responsible for the management and concealment of illicit financial resources within a well-structured and hierarchical organization. This arrest comes as part of the broader crackdown on organized crime in the area, initiated in early February with Operation Intocáveis III, which previously led to the arrest of six other members of the same financial core of the militia. The suspect had managed to escape previous police efforts, making this capture an important development in the ongoing fight against criminal militias in Rio de Janeiro.

The implications of this arrest are significant, as it highlights the persistent challenge of militia activity within Rio de Janeiro, which poses serious security risks to communities. The police efforts to dismantle these organizations reflect broader government strategies aimed at enhancing public safety and stability in areas affected by organized crime. Continued vigilance and resources will be necessary to address the complex issues posed by militia groups in the region as they often have deep-rooted connections and influence over local populations.