Brazil launches inter‑state police operation against criminal faction in Macaé

A large police operation coordinated by the Brazilian Civil Police is underway across several states, targeting a criminal faction suspected of involvement in at least 15 homicides in Salvador between 2025 and 2026. The operation is being conducted simultaneously in Bahia, Santa Catarina and the state of Rio de Janeiro, with the city of Macaé among the sites where forces are executing search warrants and making arrests. In the first hours, authorities reported the detention of at least 16 individuals identified as members of the faction’s leadership, financial management and operational units. The action aims to dismantle the group’s command structure, disrupt its financial networks and prevent further violent crimes.

Police officials indicated that further arrests and investigative steps are expected as the operation progresses, emphasizing the importance of inter‑state intelligence sharing to combat organized crime that operates across regional boundaries.