Adilson Oliveira Coutinho Filho, 55, commonly known as Adilsinho, was apprehended by police on Thursday (26) in Cabo Frio, a coastal city in the Lagos region. He is considered a prominent figure in the illegal gambling scene known as jogo do bicho in Rio de Janeiro and is also suspected of overseeing the cigarette smuggling operations in the state. Before his arrest, authorities had issued at least two warrants for his apprehension: one related to investigations into counterfeit cigarette smuggling and another concerning his alleged role as the mastermind behind the murder of Fabrício Alves Martins de Oliveira, which took place in October 2022.

Adilsinho's attorney, Ricardo Braga, stated earlier this month when the fugitive status of his client was noted that "businessman Adilson Coutinho denies any involvement in the reported facts." Braga claimed that Adilsinho is confident in the judicial process and intends to prove his innocence. Following the arrest, attempts were made to contact his defense team for further comments; however, Braga did not respond to messages or phone calls, leaving questions about the next steps of the legal proceedings.

This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to crack down on organized crime and illegal activities in Brazil, particularly around Rio de Janeiro, which has struggled with such issues for years. The implications of Adilsinho's apprehension could potentially lead to further investigations into associated criminal networks and contribute to ongoing challenges in addressing organized crime and corruption in the region.