Organised crime extorts street vendors and controls Rio de Janeiro beaches
Criminal groups charge up to R$ 300 per day from street vendors on Rio beaches. City hall and state government launch visible patrols to combat the scheme.
Beach extortion in Rio generates R$ 100 million annually
According to reports on g1.globo.com, the Rio de Janeiro city hall and the State Government have launched a visible patrol programme to combat organised crime groups operating covertly on the city's beaches.
Investigations indicate that street vendors are forced to pay a daily amount between R$ 200 and R$ 300 to avoid retaliation. The public authorities have also identified 22 illegal depots used by the criminal organisations.
According to the city hall, the scheme generates approximately R$ 100 million per year for the groups involved.
Source: Google News BR — Crime