Militia and drug trafficking impose suppliers and prices on traders in Rio de Janeiro under monopoly

Centenas of Rio of Janeiro traders operate under the control of criminal groups, which establish illegal monopolies over the supply chain of essential products. The situation forces owners of bakeries, markets and other establishments to purchase goods from specific companies, directly linked to drug trafficking factions and militias active in the metropolitan region. Esse’s dominance over local commerce is imposed through threats and violence, transforming business owners and consumers into hostages of a complex extortion scheme. Fantástico’s report investigated in depth the ramifications and impact of this practice that destabilizes the economy and security of the affected neighborhoods.

An in-depth investigation, conducted over two months, revealed the extent of this criminal practice, which ranges from basic items such as flour and eggs to construction materials. Criminal groups not only dictate who merchants should buy from, but also force the payment of security fees to maintain business. Refusal to adhere to the requirements results in serious consequences, ranging from financial losses to the risk of death, highlighting the fragility of entrepreneurs in the face of the power of criminal organizations.

Vendor Imposição and Widespread Threats

The monopoly scheme imposed by drug trafficking and the militia turns traders into true hostages. Nessas controlled areas, freedom of choice of supplier is suppressed, and establishment owners are compelled to purchase goods from companies predetermined by criminal groups. The situation is summed up in a statement: “You have to buy, no choice.” Essa coercion extends across neighborhoods of Zona Oeste and Zona Norte, permeating the daily lives of small and medium-sized businesses.

The dynamics of imposition often begin with a direct and unequivocal warning. Comerciantes are informed that, from a certain point onwards, they will only be able to purchase products from a specific company. “They just warn us that from now on, we are forced to buy from this company”, reported one interviewee, highlighting the coercive nature of the order. The message is clear: “And the message has already been given and you have to comply.” Essa communication establishes a regime of fear, where disobedience is not a viable option for those who depend on commerce to survive.

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Intimidation is not restricted to traders. Caminhões from competing companies that attempt to deliver to areas under the control of factions and militias are blocked and their drivers are threatened. Muitos report that they were warned that their vehicles would be stolen or set on fire if they tried to return to the dominated regions. Essa blocking tactic ensures that only suppliers associated with criminals are able to operate, consolidating the monopoly and eliminating any trace of free competition.

Produtos basic and essential services under criminal control

The scope of the criminal monopoly is vast, affecting a series of basic consumer products and items essential for the functioning of the local economy. The survey identified that everything from bakeries and markets to barbershops and construction material stores are forced to follow the criminals’ guidelines. The list of controlled products is extensive and includes:

• Alimentos:wheat flour, eggs, garlic, onion and roast chicken.
• Combustíveis:cooking gas and coal.
• Hidratação:mineral water.
• Construção:construction material.

The sale of roast chicken in Rio’s Zona Oeste is a striking example of this control. Comerciantes who traditionally purchased from established suppliers were forced to switch to militia-appointed distributors. Aqueles who refused to comply with the determination were prevented from working, resulting in the stoppage of their commercial activities. The imposition goes beyond supply, extending to the collection of fees so that establishments can keep their doors open. “We work on the negative, because you have to play criminals, that’s the reality”, said one interviewee, revealing the constant financial pressure.

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The impact is felt directly on the cost of living and the quality of products. Wheat flour, a fundamental item for the production of bread and pasta, became one of the main targets of the investigation. Comerciantes were forced to purchase the low-quality product at prices significantly higher than market prices, often in excessive quantities that did not correspond to the real demand of their businesses.

Impacto in Prices and Quality for Rio Consumers

The monopoly imposed by drug traffickers and militiamen has a direct and perverse effect on the final prices of products for the consumer. The lack of competition and the obligation to purchase from specific suppliers allow criminal groups to set artificially high prices. In some locations, the report documented a drastic increase in the price of roast chicken, which jumped from R$10 to R$40 after the entry of criminal groups into the distribution market.

Especialistas interviewed by the investigation points out that this practice completely distorts market logic, harming both traders, who are forced to operate with reduced margins or at a loss, and consumers, who bear the extra cost. Wheat flour, for example, a product whose quality directly impacts the daily bread, is purchased by bakers at extortionate prices. Flour that would cost around R$70 is sold to them for R$100 or even R$110 by suppliers linked to the crime.

Esse The increase in the price of low-quality raw materials leads to an inevitable increase in the final price of French bread and other baked products. Ou means that the consumer not only pays more, but may also be taking home an item of poorer quality, a direct reflection of criminal control over the production and distribution chain. The situation creates a vicious cycle, where the already vulnerable community indirectly subsidizes the operations of factions and militias through high spending on basic needs.

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Empresas investigated for links with factions and militias

Fantástico’s investigation monitored warehouses and distribution centers, resulting in the identification of companies that, according to police, have links to criminal organizations. Duas companies, in particular, were highlighted in the scope of the survey due to their apparent involvement in the distribution of products under the monopoly scheme. Essas companies are Evolução, located in Campo Grande, in Zona Oeste of Rio, and Fênix, which operates in Madureira, in Zona Norte, an area notoriously dominated by the Terceiro Comando Puro faction.

The images captured by the report showed trucks from companies linked to the factions delivering wheat flour to various locations, highlighting the materiality of the transactions. Comerciantes who were forced to purchase products from these companies reported that the purchase was compulsory, often with the imposition of volumes greater than those requested and prices above market value. Isso not only created a higher cost for the merchant, but also accumulated unnecessary inventory, resulting in losses or waste.

Questionados regarding the filming of the deliveries, the company’s lawyers Evolução declared that they could not respond as they did not have access to the images, classifying the situation as “mere speculation”. Evolução’s legal representatives also stated that they were not aware of any illicit activities involving the company. In turn, the company Fênix categorically denied any link, relationship, participation or association with criminal factions or any other illicit organization, reinforcing that it remains at the disposal of the authorities to provide all necessary clarifications about its operations and customers.

Violência and coercion: the case of Rafael Braga and other victims

Disobedience to the orders of the militias and factions in Rio of Janeiro can have tragic consequences. The case of trader Rafael Oliveira Braga illustrates the brutality of the scheme. In March last year, Rafael was murdered in front of his own bakery, at Zona Oeste. Police investigations indicated that the reason for the crime was Rafael’s refusal to buy flour from one of the distributors linked to the criminal scheme.

Dois men were identified and indicted for the crime, identified as members of the militia that operates in the region. Rafael Braga’s death serves as a grim reminder of the violence used by groups to maintain their control and ensure their monopolies are respected. Esse execution type aims to terrorize other traders, reinforcing the message that insubordination is punished with the harshest of sanctions.

Muitos traders report that the threats are constant and they lose motivation to continue their business. “I confess to you, I lost the desire to work”, said one of the victims interviewed, expressing discouragement and a feeling of impotence. The perception that they have become “employees” of criminals, working to fill the organizations’ cash flow, leads many to consider closing or selling their establishments. The psychological pressure is immense, with the fear of reprisal affecting the well-being and safety of their families.

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Ações police officers and the financing of organized crime

Diante of the gravity of the situation, Polícia Civil of Rio of Janeiro intensified its operations. Last Wednesday, the corporation carried out 14 search and seizure warrants at addresses that were related to companies investigated for connection to factions and militias. Essas actions were an important step in dismantling the illegal distribution network and collecting more evidence about the extent of the monopoly.

Durante the searches, agents made alarming discoveries. In one of the warehouses targeted by the operation, expired products were found, indicating not only the illegality of the operations, but also the disrespect for public health standards and the poor quality of the items sold. A man was arrested at the scene for irregularities related to the products. At another address, the situation was even more precarious, with unsanitary storage conditions and food stored dangerously close to animal feces, putting the health of those who consume it at risk.

Police investigations indicate that controlling the sale and distribution of products generates a substantial source of income for criminal organizations. Esses financial resources supply what is known as the “war chest” of factions and militias. Este cash is essential for acquiring weapons, purchasing equipment and maintaining territorial dominance, which allows groups to continue to expand their illegal activities and impose their will on traders and residents. The fight against these monopolies is not only an economic issue, but also one of public security, aiming to decapitalize organized crime and restore order and freedom of trade in Rio’s communities.