In a significant shift from traditional drug trafficking, organized crime factions and militias in Rio de Janeiro are now heavily invested in controlling essential services, particularly internet access, in communities they dominate. According to a report from g1, these groups have turned utility poles into central assets for their operations, using them to steal electricity, distribute clandestine services, and monopolize internet connectivity. This model has become more lucrative than drug sales, as nearly all residents depend on these services.
Investigations reveal that criminals have established front companies to operate as internet service providers. These entities purchase signals from major carriers and resell the service in controlled areas, creating local monopolies. For instance, in neighborhoods like Rio das Pedras, Gardênia Azul, and Muzema, multiple companies linked to organized crime have been identified. The groups have resorted to violent tactics, including arson and cable cutting, to eliminate competition and secure territorial control.
The impact extends beyond internet services. Residents report that everyday goods such as brooms, charcoal, garlic, and even bottled water are now controlled by criminal groups, who dictate which stores can sell them. This leads to restricted supply, inflated prices, and a stifled local economy. One resident described how a hardware store was prohibited from selling brooms, forcing consumers to buy only from authorized outlets.
Businesses face direct threats and extortion. Delivery personnel for large companies have been confronted by armed criminals demanding weekly payments, known as "toll fees," to operate in these areas. Failure to comply results in threats of theft, vehicle damage, or suspension of services. Internal documents from affected companies list hundreds of establishments that have ceased receiving deliveries due to these dangers.
In response, state authorities have implemented measures to combat this criminal expansion. Regulatory changes now require all internet providers, regardless of size, to register with the national telecommunications agency, Anatel. The government is also exploring alternative technologies, such as radio-based internet, to reduce reliance on physical cables that criminals can control.
Law enforcement and experts emphasize a multi-pronged strategy. This includes financial strangulation of criminal organizations, with the Civil Police requesting the freezing of nearly R$ 6 billion in assets. There is also a focus on combating corruption within public agencies and limiting criminals' access to weapons. Since 2025, over 500 suspects involved in such activities have been arrested.
The situation highlights the evolving nature of organized crime in Rio, where territorial control now encompasses commercial monopolies on essential services and goods. This not only affects daily life for residents but also deters investment and economic development in the region. Based on reporting from g1.