Operation targets group linked to car theft and cloning and possible weapons trafficking in Rio

The action mobilized 360 police officers from the Auto Robbery and Theft Police Station (DRFA) and the Shock Police Battalion (BPChq), in addition to armored vehicles.

According to the Civil Police, the investigation, which initially investigated a scheme for selling cloned cars via social media, found evidence of an organized structure to receive, tamper with and resell stolen vehicles. The in-depth investigation also identified possible connections between group members and the illegal arms trade.

Investigators analyzed 19,777 messages and 2,324 audios and, according to the police, found references to negotiations for AK-47 rifles, .50 caliber weapons and restricted-use pistols. Records of people being investigated carrying weapons with great firepower were also identified.

The investigations began after the police identified profiles on social networks that advertised high-value vehicles at prices well below those charged on the market.

According to the agents, the group researched advertisements for regular vehicles and obtained identification data for these cars. The information was used to tamper with stolen cars, which were then advertised again on social media with the appearance of legality.

The police also claim to have found evidence that members of the group received orders for specific models. For investigators, this may indicate a link between buyer demand in the illegal market and vehicle theft.

The use of social networks to sell cars of criminal origin was already investigated by DRFA. In November, g1 showed that the police station had identified at least 21 accounts related to this type of commerce. In one of the advertisements, a 2022 Toyota Corolla was offered for R$8.5 thousand, despite the value in the Fipe Table exceeding R$100 thousand.

The first phase of Operation Hidden Signal took place on August 27. At the time, the agents went out to execute 9 arrest warrants and 37 search and seizure warrants related to 25 people identified during the investigation.

During the action in the Jardim Novo community, police teams were attacked by gunfire. A civil police officer was shot in the face and taken to the Albert Schweitzer Municipal Hospital. The first information released at the time indicated that he was out of danger.

Subsequently, the Civil Police reported that, in the first phase, an arrest warrant was served and two people were arrested in the act. The operation also resulted in the seizure of 19 cell phones, 8 card machines, 7 radio communicators, 3 vehicles, 2 simulacra rifles, as well as ammunition, digital media and other materials.

Some of the seized electronic equipment underwent analysis, which helped to deepen the investigation and identify possible connections between the group and the clandestine arms trade.

The police reported that investigations continue to identify other possible parties involved and investigate links between vehicle thefts, tampering with identifiers, selling cars via social media and weapons trafficking.