Brazil police uncover clandestine burial sites in Várzea Grande and Rio das Pedras

Municipal guards in Várzea Grande, Mato Grosso, discovered a partially buried male corpse in a forested area after an anonymous tip, prompting the civil police and forensic authorities to secure the scene for investigation.

In Rio das Pedras, Rio de Janeiro, civil police uncovered a 20‑metre deep pit used by a local militia to hide bodies. Two decomposed male corpses, a skull and additional human remains were retrieved, and evidence such as lime suggested attempts to obscure identification. The finds followed intelligence‑driven operations targeting disappearances linked to the paramilitary group, amidst recent armed clashes between the militia and rival gangs.