The Rio de Janeiro Civil Police arrested, on the morning of Wednesday (27), Fernando de Assis Costa, the ‘Paulista’, who was hiding at the relatives’ house in Nova Iguaçu, in the Baixada Fluminense.
Investigators pointed out that he is a member of one of the largest criminal groups that specialize in theft and breakdown of vans and minibuses in the state, being responsible for theft of vehicles and resale of his pieces.
The arrest was part of Operation Tourniquet, which led to the capture of the criminal, on the run since January 2024. The investigation revealed that the group, linked to the Narcoterrorist faction TCP (Third Pure Command), caused significant damage to the tourism sector of Rio de Janeiro, with estimated losses of over $ 6 million in 2024 alone.
The gang already accumulated more than 20 vehicle thefts, especially in the north and west of Rio and in municipalities of Baixada Fluminense.
Criminals used to steal the vans, crumble vehicles and resell the pieces, including tampering with vehicle identifying signals.
In addition to the compliance with this arrest warrant, after months of investigation and monitoring, with support from the Auto Theft and Theft Police Station (DRFA), the action also resulted in the seizure of several used vehicle breakdown tools, including a firearm simulacrum used in theft.
Recently, another group leader, known as “Foguinho”, was also arrested, and the Civil Police are still working to arrest the other gang members. DRFA said it maintains investigations to collaborate with the reduction of crime in the state.
This content was originally published in police holds vans and minibuses specializing in RJ on CNN Brazil.
Source: CNN Brasil
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