Brazil police launch Operação Lívia against online child coercion network

The Mato Grosso do Sul Civil Police have launched a new phase of ‘Operação Lívia’ to investigate a virtual network that coerces and encourages children and adolescents to commit crimes against animals. The operation has resulted in six warrants for provisional detention and six search and seizure warrants targeting adolescents aged 14 to 17 across the states of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Bahia, Rio Grande do Sul, and the Federal District.

Supported by the Ministry of Justice and the Cyberlab (Cybernetic Operations Laboratory), the investigation focuses on how the group uses digital platforms to exert psychological pressure on victims. The probe includes allegations of extremism, misogyny, animal cruelty, psychological coercion, self-harm, and the induction of suicide.

The investigation gained momentum following the death of a 13-year-old girl in Naviraí in July, who committed suicide during a live stream on Discord after refusing to complete a mission. Since August 12, Discord live streams have been suspended in Brazil by order of the National Data Protection Authority (ANPD).