Summary of the Article: Red Command (Comando Vermelho) in Rio de Janeiro
This article details the growing power and evolving tactics of the red Command (Comando vermelho – CV), a major Brazilian criminal association, particularly in Rio de Janeiro. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
1. Deep Infiltration & Corruption:
* Bribery & Negotiation: The CV operates through individuals like “Penha” (“Grandão”) who actively negotiate bribes with the Military Police (specifically those in Pacification Police Units) to reduce police presence and crackdowns. This demonstrates a significant level of corruption within law enforcement.
* Direct Communication with Police: “Grandão” even had a dedicated phone line for communicating with police and leveraged his connections to help an officer recover a stolen vehicle.
* Judicial Corruption: The article highlights a concerning issue of judges being investigated for selling sentences,contributing to a cycle of arrest and release.
2.Sophisticated Organization & Communication:
* Hierarchical Structure: The CV has a rigid chain of command with clear orders and severe punishments for disobedience.
* WhatsApp as a Command Center: Traffickers utilize WhatsApp groups for:
* Issuing orders regarding drug sales and security.
* Managing sales points and armed security.
* Dealing with stolen vehicles.
* Monitoring police activity.
* Accounting for drug sales.
* Even planning executions.
* Exclusive Access: Key leaders like “Doca” have limited access, with figures like “Pedro Bala” being among the few with direct contact.
3.Expansion & Increased Brutality:
* Expansionist Project: The CV is actively expanding its influence,particularly in the Jacarepaguá region of Rio de Janeiro,leading to increased violence and deaths.
* Parallel Justice: The group operates its own system of justice, characterized by executions and torture.
* Wealth & Power: Brutality has led to significant wealth accumulation and increased power for the CV.
4.Evolving Revenue Streams:
* Beyond Cocaine: While drug trafficking remains a major source of income, the CV is diversifying into more profitable ventures:
* Irregular sale of fuel, gold, cigarettes, and alcohol.
* “Armed Territorial Control”: The CV forces residents in controlled areas to use services and suppliers chosen by the group, essentially controlling the local economy.
* “Ultracapitalization”: This diversification has led to a significant increase in the CV’s financial power.
5. Impact & Concerns:
* Infiltration of the State: The CV’s financial power allows it to infiltrate government institutions.
* “Micro-Sovereignty”: The group’s control over territory creates “enclaves of micro-sovereignty,” effectively operating as a mini-country with its own rules.
* Systemic Failure: The article points to a broken system where Rio de Janeiro arrests many criminals but releases them due to judicial corruption.
In essence, the article paints a picture of a highly organized, financially powerful, and deeply entrenched criminal organization that is challenging the authority of the state in Rio de janeiro. It highlights the dangers of corruption, the sophistication of modern criminal networks, and the need for systemic reform to address the root causes of the problem.
