Predator received 'extra cash' to provide security for drug traffickers in Rio after fighting in the war in Ukraine

In addition to the monthly payment, he earned a kind of 'extra cash' of R$500, above the amount received by other security guards, as he had combat experience after working in the conflict against Russia. After returning to Brazil, Predador joined the group responsible for protecting chiefs of the Third Pure Command (TCP) in Vila Pinheiro, a community in Complexo da Maré.

The information about the additional payment indicates that the experience acquired by the person being investigated in the war was valued by the criminal group. Predator had spent five months in Ukraine, where he was part of a combat team made up of foreign volunteers.

The drug dealer was arrested this Thursday (12), on Avenida Brasil, near Bonsucesso, in the North Zone of Rio. The capture was carried out by agents from the Interstate Police Station (DC-Polinter), after intelligence and monitoring work.

According to the Civil Police, Luiz André was in Ukraine between February and July 2026, where he was part of a team made up of foreign volunteers. During the period in which he was abroad, Predador received a net remuneration equivalent to R$12,000 per month. However, it was not disclosed who made the payments to the drug trafficker during the time he was in Ukraine nor who carried out the recruitment.

Luiz André dos Santos Souza had been convicted of drug trafficking in October 2024. According to the Rio de Janeiro Court of Justice, he and three other defendants appealed the conviction in the second instance, but had their convictions upheld.