Santa Cruz authorities investigate murder of informant ‘El Hormiga’

Authorities in Santa Cruz are investigating the murder of José Luis Bravo, known as ‘El Hormiga’, in the Urubó area. Investigations by the FELCC and the Public Ministry suggest the killing may be linked to transnational criminal networks and drug trafficking.

Intelligence reports indicate that Bravo acted as an informant for the Special Force to Fight Drug Trafficking (FELCN). One theory suggests the execution was an ‘ajuste de cuentas’ (settling of scores) ordered by members of the Brazilian criminal organization PCC. The suspects, identified as Heleno da Silva Alex and Junior Fernando da Silva, are reportedly fugitives from the Palmasola prison.

Investigators are also exploring connections between this murder and the April killing of José Ángel Castañeta, known as ‘Cara de Bebé’. Additional hypotheses include a possible conflict regarding the disappearance of over a ton of controlled substances. Police are currently analyzing security footage and taking witness statements, though no arrests have been made.