São José dos Quatro Marcos police confrontation leaves suspect dead

A 27-year-old man died following a confrontation with the Military Police in São José dos Quatro Marcos, Mato Grosso, after being accused of participating in a criminal faction's punishment of a woman.

Investigations revealed that the victim, a 32-year-old woman, was subjected to a “salve”—a practice used by criminal factions to enforce rules—after allegedly spreading rumors about the group. The victim was reportedly summoned to a residence where she was interrogated via video call by a faction leader. During this call, the leader ordered that she receive 20 blows to her hands with a wooden plank.

Three women, aged 18, 23, and 24, were arrested for torture. The deceased suspect, identified as Pablo Vítor Farias, was reportedly acting as a “discipline” figure for the faction. Police operations were launched after the victim sought medical attention at a municipal hospital and subsequently provided testimony to authorities.