Rio Police Arrest São João de Meriti Councillor in TCP Collusion Probe

Overview

• Civil Police launched Operation Muro de Favores as part of Barricada Zero, serving eight arrest warrants and 36 search-and-seizure orders.
• Councillor Ernane Aleixo (PL) was arrested and indicted on suspicion of aiding the Terceiro Comando Puro’s control in São João de Meriti.
• Investigators cite audios and messages indicating he supplied equipment and materials for barricades in Vilar dos Teles and bargained public appointments for political support.
• Agents seized cash at Aleixo’s home, and at least five people had been detained by mid-morning as searches continued in São João de Meriti and Belford Roxo.
• The probe targets a TCP structure active in Trio de Ouro, Guacha and Santa Tereza under the regional leader known as Genaro, with Pagodeiro identified as his deputy and tied by police to 2023 killings.