Operation in RS arrests 72 people linked to homicides and organised crime in Santa Maria
The Civil Police arrested 72 people in an operation against homicides and organised crime in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul. More than 230 court orders were executed in Santa Maria and other cities.
72 arrested in police action against criminal faction in central RS
The Civil Police of Rio Grande do Sul arrested 72 people on the morning of Wednesday (4) during an operation targeting homicides and organised crime in the central region of the state, as reported by cnnbrasil.com.br. The actions took place in the municipalities of Santa Maria, Restinga Sêca and Caçapava do Sul, as well as in prison facilities.
In total, more than 230 court orders were executed, including preventive detention warrants, search and seizure warrants, vehicle impoundments and bank account freezes.
The investigation began in August 2025, following a homicide recorded in Santa Maria. The victim was killed with 15 gunshots in front of his own residence. Based on analysis of the shooters' escape route, the Civil Police identified the involvement of a criminal organisation operating in the municipality.
According to the authorities, the murder would have been a reprisal ordered by the group's leadership, motivated by a prior conflict between criminals. Throughout the investigation, a hierarchical structure was found, with division of tasks and links to a faction with reach across the state.
The organisation also maintained influence over galleries in the prison system, from where activities linked to drug trafficking would be coordinated and orders for executions outside the units would be issued. The group used large-calibre weapons, such as rifles and pistols, as well as resources from trafficking, subsequently hidden illicitly.
Among those detained is the so-called "Godfather" — a designation used by subordinates to refer to the organisation's leader. According to the Civil Police, he was responsible for determining actions against rival groups and against people identified as informants.
All prisoners will be transferred to the prison system.
Source: Google News BR — Crime