PCC members convicted in Tocantins and leader arrested in São Paulo

Brazilian authorities sentenced several members of a criminal group linked to the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) in Araguaína, Tocantins. The court found the defendants guilty of organized crime, drug trafficking, illegal arms trade and money laundering, noting they used a gun store called “Complexo das Armas” to disguise drug‑sale proceeds. Sentences ranged from 26 years for the second‑in‑command to 3½ years for a lower‑level participant, with other members receiving 9 to 22 years.

Separately, police in São Paulo captured Ricardo de Jesus Araújo, known as “Nego Pio”, a fugitive PCC leader wanted since 2020 on a homicide conviction. He was arrested on a rural property in Araçariguama, where investigators also seized firearms, two motorcycles and uncovered a network that moved weapons from Paraguay to the faction. Authorities say he coordinated arms purchases and storage through a chain of properties and a front company.