One in three residents of RJ lives in areas controlled by organized crime, points out ISP

The survey identified 1,530 territories under the control of criminal groups in 2025, mainly concentrated in the capital and the Metropolitan Region, including Baixada Fluminense. Together, these areas totaled 614 km², equivalent to 1.4% of Rio de Janeiro's territory.

The impact of this dominance on residents' routines emerged again during a police operation in Complexo da Maré, in the North Zone of Rio. Criminals crossed trucks on Avenida Brasil, one of the city's main roads, and used burning garbage containers as barricades. At least 42 bus lines were affected, and 24 public schools were without classes.

The Red Command (CV) operates in 50.9% of the identified territories, where almost 3 million people lived, according to the study.

The number of identified territories increased from 868 in 2019 to 1,530 in 2025. According to the ISP, the improvement of research techniques made it possible to include areas where criminal groups were already operating on the map.

The institute states that the control of territories by these groups affects the population's routine and quality of life. The ISP's expectation is that the mapping will help guide public safety actions.