Matheus Freitas arrested in Brazil for militia‑style property crimes

The Polícia Civil do Distrito Federal (PCDF) arrested 29‑year‑old Matheus Vinícius Silva de Freitas, identified as the leader of an organised criminal group operating in the Sol Nascente neighbourhood of Brasília. The gang forced residents to abandon their homes under threats, then sold the seized properties, using a modus operandi likened to the militias active in Rio de Janeiro. Investigators say at least four people were victimised, with cases involving home invasions, intimidation with firearms, and fraudulent sales that left the money unaccounted for.

The operation, codenamed “Imperium,” uncovered that Freitas was already serving a sentence under an open‑regime electronic ankle bracelet. He and three accomplices are charged with robbery, illegal possession, criminal association, threat, and possible fraud related to the property transactions. The PCDF continues to investigate the full extent of the scheme and identify any additional victims.