Rio de Janeiro police identify drug lord as mastermind in women's torture case

Rio de Janeiro Civil Police have identified Flávio Vieira Bento, known as ‘Mumu’, as the mastermind behind the torture of two women in the Risca-Faca community in São Gonçalo. Bento, a drug trafficking leader, allegedly ordered the crimes from within prison.

The victims were physically assaulted, had their hair shaved, and were forced to walk through the streets under coercion to apologize to criminals. Authorities state the incident, which occurred in May, was recorded and shared by traffickers on social media as a strategy to intimidate residents and demonstrate faction strength.

Following an investigation, three suspects were previously arrested, including one of the executors. Bento, who has prior records for drug trafficking and homicide, was apprehended in April 2025. The State Secretariat of Penal Police confirmed cooperation with the Civil Police during searches of Bento’s cell, noting no prohibited materials were found during the most recent inspection.