Brazilian underworld figure Adilsinho targeted in Rio murder investigation, PM officer arrested on charges

A significant police operation, led by Rio de Janeiro’s Homicide Division (DHC), was launched this Thursday, November 6, 2025, to execute four arrest warrants. These warrants are directly connected to the fatal shooting of Fabrício Alves Martins de Oliveira, an incident that occurred in October 2024.

Central to the investigation is Adilson Oliveira Coutinho Filho, commonly known as “Adilsinho,” a notorious figure in the illicit gambling underworld. Authorities have identified Adilsinho as the alleged mastermind behind the 2024 murder, signaling a major crackdown on organized crime.

The operation represents a concerted effort by law enforcement to dismantle powerful criminal networks in the city, tracing back to complex illicit activities and power struggles within Rio’s underground economy.

Operation details and initial arrests

Investigators from the DHC spearheaded the action, focusing on targets believed to have played crucial roles in the murder. The warrants were part of a meticulous investigation that spanned several months, accumulating evidence to support the charges against the involved parties.

Among those sought was Alex Matos, known as “Faraó,” who remains at large and is currently designated as a fugitive. Police efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend Matos, whose alleged involvement is considered significant to the case.

The alleged mastermind, Adilsinho

Adilson Oliveira Coutinho Filho, Adilsinho, has long been a subject of police scrutiny due to his perceived ties to organized crime and illicit enterprises across Rio de Janeiro. His alleged role as the mandante in Fabrício Alves Martins de Oliveira’s murder places him at the center of this high-profile investigation.

His preventive arrest had been decreed earlier in the ongoing inquiry, underscoring the seriousness of the accusations. The operation aims not only to apprehend Adilsinho but also to dismantle the wider network implicated in the violent incident.

The first murder and violent execution

The initial homicide, targeting Fabrício Alves Martins de Oliveira, occurred at a gas station in October 2024. The victim was ambushed by several masked individuals, heavily armed with long-range firearms. The attackers swiftly discharged multiple shots before making a rapid escape from the scene, leaving no immediate trace of their identity.

Illegal cigarette trade dispute

The primary investigative line suggests that the murder of Fabrício Alves Martins de Oliveira was not an isolated act but rather a consequence of escalating conflicts within the illegal cigarette trade. This illicit market often fuels violent disputes over territory and profits.

Such conflicts frequently involve powerful underworld figures vying for control, leading to retaliatory actions and targeted killings. Authorities believe Fabrício’s death served as a violent assertion of dominance in this lucrative illegal business.

The economic stakes in the irregular cigarette market are substantial, attracting individuals and groups willing to resort to extreme violence to protect or expand their operations. These illicit networks pose a persistent challenge to law enforcement agencies.

Subsequent fatality and ongoing manhunt

Adding another layer of complexity to the investigation, Fábio de Alamar, a business partner of Fabrício in a legitimate ice factory, was tragically killed just two days after Fabrício’s murder in October 2024. Alamar was shot after leaving the Inhaúma Cemetery, where he had attended Fabrício’s burial.

Police investigators have found strong indications that both Fabrício and Alamar were actively involved in the irregular commercialization of cigarettes. Their interconnected deaths point towards a systematic targeting linked to their illicit activities, suggesting a calculated effort to eliminate competitors or remove threats within the trade.

Besides Adilsinho and the fugitive “Faraó,” other suspects are implicated. José Ricardo, another individual connected to the crime, was already incarcerated on unrelated charges, and his warrant was served within the penitentiary system, ensuring his continued detention.

Meanwhile, military police officer Daniel Maia voluntarily surrendered to authorities upon learning of the warrant against him and was subsequently arrested. His involvement highlights concerns about potential infiltration or corruption within state security forces, which is under strict review.

Official response and continued efforts

The Military Police confirmed its active support for the operation led by the DHC, stating that all measures taken adhere to legal protocols. The force reiterated its commitment to upholding justice and collaborating with other agencies in critical investigations. Authorities continue diligently searching for any remaining targets associated with this complex and violent criminal enterprise.