There is no official list, because both the state police and the Federal Police treat the matter confidentially. Therefore, to produce this list, we consulted journalists Percival de Souza and Carlos Amorim, specialists in organized crime. To elect the most dangerous bandits, they based themselves, mainly, on the influence of these bandits in the world of crime. “Dangerousness is measured by the nature of the crime committed, recidivism and behavior inside the prison”, says lawyer Dirceu de Mello, from PUC in São Paulo. Therefore, in the ranking of dangerousness, a first offender convicted of murder is less dangerous, for example, than a gang leader convicted of drug trafficking.
Only one is free, but all are still active.
Pedrinho Matador
Why it’s dangerous – Psychopath, killed for the first time at age 14. He continued killing and today accumulates more than one hundred homicides, including his own father and more than 40 people inside the prisons he passed through. He still hasn’t answered for all the crimes, but he already has 128 years of conviction.
Current situation – Prisoner in Penitentiary 2 in Franco da Rocha (SP)
Dudu
Why is it dangerous – Sentenced to 73 years and four months in prison for leading actions by the Comando Vermelho – such as the attack by drug dealers from Morro do Vidigal to Rocinha in 2004, which ended with 14 deaths. He is known for forcing favela residents to bury the bodies of those he orders killed.
Current situation – Arrested in Bangu 1, in Rio (RJ)
Julinho Carambola
Why he is dangerous – He is Marcola’s right-hand man in the PCC. In addition to having helped lead this year’s attacks, Júlio César Guedes de Moraes is also accused of having organized, in November 2003, attacks by the São Paulo criminal gang against police stations and vehicles, which killed three police officers.
Current situation – Arrested in Presidente Bernardes (SP)
Archangel Commander
Why it’s dangerous – Former Civil Police agent, João Arcanjo Ribeiro, the Comendador, is the head of organized crime in Mato Grosso. He was sentenced to 37 years for conspiracy and seven more for illegal possession and smuggling of weapons. But the penalty should increase: he still responds to five lawsuits
Current situation – Arrested in Cuiabá (MT)
Isaias do Borel
Why he is dangerous – He is one of the main leaders of the Comando Vermelho, considered the “president of the faction” at Bangu 1 prison and accused of ordering the murder of a former director of the penitentiary. He commanded the February 2003 attacks in Rio, when 34 vehicles were set on fire and 16 people were injured.
Current situation – Arrested in Bangu 1, in Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Marcola
Why he’s dangerous – Sentenced to 44 years for bank robberies, he became the top leader of the PCC. In May of this year, he showed his power, commanding rebellions in 82 prisons and imposing chaos in cities in São Paulo, with the murder of police officers and attacks on buses, subway stations and bank branches.
Current situation – Arrested in Presidente Bernardes (SP)
Fernandinho Beira-Mar
Why is it dangerous – Sentenced to 11 years for drug trafficking in Belo Horizonte (MG) and another 21 in Cabo Frio (RJ), he is still accused of money laundering, smuggling and international trafficking. He is linked to the Comando Vermelho and, in 2002, he led a rebellion in Bangu 1
Current situation – Arrested at the Regional Superintendence of the Federal Police, in Brasília (DF)
Linen
Why is it dangerous – One of the leaders of the Third Command (a dissidence from the Red Command) and one of the main enemies of Beira-Mar. He coordinates drug trafficking in Complexo da Maré (set of more than ten favelas in Rio). He is considered the best-armed faction leader in Rio, although not one of the most violent.
Current status – Outlaw