Brazilian Government Launches Emergency Office to Tackle Organized Crime in Rio After Deadly Police Operation

In response to the recent devastating police operation in Rio de Janeiro's Complexo da Penha and Complexo do Alemão, the Brazilian government has established an emergency office aimed at combating organized crime and enhancing coordination between federal and state security forces. On October 30, 2025, Justice and Public Security Minister Ricardo Lewandowski and Rio Governor Claudio Castro announced this joint initiative following a meeting involving President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and federal authorities, which addressed the crisis precipitated by the operation that resulted in at least 121 deaths, including four police officers.

The new office will be co-led by National Public Security Secretary Mario Sarrubbo and Rio's Security Secretary Victor Santos, focusing on rapid decision-making and dismantling bureaucratic obstacles to improve public safety. The federal government also plans to boost the Federal Highway Police presence in Rio by 50%, adding 350 officers, and increase intelligence operations, integrating efforts under the framework of the proposed Public Security Constitutional Amendment (PEC), which aims to unify the actions of various security agencies.

Governor Castro emphasized that fully integrated security measures are crucial to prioritize citizen safety, confirming that no Armed Forces deployment under the Guarantee of Law and Order (GLO) is planned as Rio's security forces are considered adequately prepared. Lewandowski clarified that the term "narcoterrorism," often used to describe criminal activities, does not accurately reflect the situation, distinguishing these acts from terrorism based on their motives.

The background to these developments is a police operation widely condemned for its violence, with reports stating over 119 fatalities, making it the deadliest operation in Brazil’s history and surpassing previous incidents such as the Carandiru massacre. Opposition deputies have accused the state government of orchestrating a massacre, estimating up to 200 deaths, and criticizing the government’s security approach. The operation led to violent criminal retaliation, including citywide street blockades by the Comando Vermelho faction.

International attention has also been drawn to the incident, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressing deep concern and human rights organizations condemning the operation. Local sociologists have criticized police strategies for exacerbating the power of criminal groups rather than mitigating it. Despite these criticisms, Governor Castro defended the security forces' actions, affirming their effectiveness.

The emergency office also includes financial intelligence initiatives to target criminal organizations’ assets, drawing on models such as the "Carbono Oculto" operation, which effectively disrupted drug trade finances without casualties. President Lula stressed the need for coordinated efforts to combat drug trafficking while avoiding harm to innocent people. The federal government has committed to providing forensic and prison resources upon request to support Rio's government.

This comprehensive response illustrates the federal and state governments' recognition of the urgent need to address the spiraling violence plaguing Rio de Janeiro through greater cooperation and restructuring of public security operations.