Rogério de Andrade to remain in maximum-security federal prison

The Superior Tribunal de Justiça (STJ) has ruled that Rogério de Andrade, a prominent figure in the ‘jogo do bicho’ criminal organization, will remain in a maximum-security federal prison. The decision follows an appeal by the Rio de Janeiro Public Prosecutor's Office (MPRJ).

The court determined that the continued federal custody is justified by Andrade’s leadership role in a criminal organization, the ongoing violent disputes for control of illegal gambling, and his potential influence over state security agencies and the local prison system. The ruling emphasizes that the persistence of the original grounds for his transfer is sufficient to maintain his placement in the federal system while he awaits trial for the murder of rival Fernando Iggnacio.