# Crime and theft operations in Rio de Janeiro

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/crime-and-theft-operations-in-rio-de-janeiro
> Updated: 2026-09-22T10:55:00.000Z. Sources: 53. Developments: 2.

Authorities in Rio de Janeiro have initiated targeted operations to combat various forms of theft and criminal logistics. In early September, a joint operation between security forces and the municipal government focused on dismantling criminal chains related to copper wire theft. This crackdown targeted scrap metal yards suspected of receiving stolen goods, following significant financial losses to municipal entities like CET-Rio and RioLuz.

By late September, police operations expanded to target criminal groups involved in cargo theft and the stealing of truck wheels and tires. Investigations by the Civil Police identified links between these groups and the Terceiro Comando Puro (TCP) faction. While raids in several neighborhoods led to armed confrontations, no injuries were reported. In response to these ongoing security challenges, the Rio de Janeiro Union of Road Freight and Logistics Companies is organizing a public security forum to discuss the economic impact of violence and coordinate territory recovery plans.

On September 22, 2026, the Rio de Janeiro Civil Police launched ‘Operação Icarus’, a large-scale coordinated effort involving law enforcement across Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Alagoas. The operation aims to dismantle an interstate drug supply network serving a major criminal faction in Rio. Initial stages resulted in six arrests, including a central coordinator responsible for negotiating shipments and managing logistics. Investigators found the organization utilized transport and logistics firms to move narcotics between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, with an estimated R$ 70 million moved in a short period. This follows previous major seizures, including over 700 kg of cocaine and marijuana in Guarulhos and 73.8 kg of cocaine in Seropédia.

## Claims

- Operação Icarus aims to dismantle an interstate drug supply network for a major criminal faction in Rio de Janeiro. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Six people were arrested during the initial hours of the operation. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Laércio Isidoro do Nascimento Júnior, known as 'Boss', was arrested as the central coordinator of the drug supply scheme. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The operation involved police forces from Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Alagoas. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The criminal organization moved approximately R$ 70 million in a short period. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- In February 2024, 715.7 kg of cocaine and marijuana were seized in Guarulhos, São Paulo, linked to this scheme. (corroborated by 5 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-22: Operação Icarus targets interstate drug network in Brazil

Rio de Janeiro police launched Operação Icarus, an interstate operation targeting a drug supply network for a major criminal faction, resulting in six arrests and uncovering R$ 70 million in illicit movement.

50 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rio-de-janeiro-authorities-target-cargo-theft-rings

### 2026-09-05: Rio de Janeiro targets scrap yards to combat copper wire theft

Rio de Janeiro authorities are targeting scrap metal yards in an operation to curb copper wire theft, which has cost the city over R$ 69 million since 2021.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rio-de-janeiro-targets-scrap-yards-to-combat-copper-wire-theft

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Cite as: Crime and theft operations in Rio de Janeiro. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/crime-and-theft-operations-in-rio-de-janeiro