Nova Iguaçu militia extorts residents through condominium takeover

The Civil Police are investigating a militia group in Nova Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro, for extorting residents of the Jardim Guandu Condominium. According to investigators, the criminal organization seized control of the residential complex by removing legitimate property managers and replacing them with associates.

Through this administrative takeover, the group imposed illegal monthly fees for services such as water, gas, and internet. These charges, which amounted to approximately R$ 70 per apartment, generated between R$ 85,000 and R$ 100,000 in monthly revenue. Residents who refused to pay faced threats of violence and expulsion from their homes.

Authorities have identified Gilson Ingrácio de Souza Junior, known as ‘Juninho Varão’, as the alleged leader of the militia. A military police officer, Carlos Luiz Torres Corrêa, also known as ‘Carlão’, is under investigation for his alleged involvement in threatening residents. The operation included search and seizure warrants, during which police recovered a vehicle containing documents detailing the illegal collections and items used to intimidate residents. Additionally, police are investigating whether the group's actions were linked to the death of a resident who refused to comply with the extortion demands.