World · Europe · 4 hrs ago
Oruam’s mother and brother arrested in Rio internet-crime operation
Brazil’s Federal Police arrested rapper Oruam’s mother and brother on Monday in an operation in Rio de Janeiro state.
The investigation targets alleged Comando Vermelho control of internet services in the Alemão, Penha and Chapadão communities.
Police say armed members used threats to force residents and businesses to use selected providers, while disrupting rival companies.
Investigators say the operation targets an alleged forced internet monopoly and the money made from it.
Authorities are carrying out 23 preventive arrest warrants and 24 search warrants, and have ordered asset freezes of up to 558 million reais against 40 people and 42 companies.
Police allege that Marcinho VP, who is imprisoned, continued to control businesses linked to the service alongside relatives and other gang leaders.
The operation also seeks to suspend targeted companies’ activities, while Brazil’s telecom regulator is to be asked to revoke their authorisations and ensure service continues for affected residents.
Brazil’s Federal Police arrested Oruam’s mother and brother on Monday in an operation targeting alleged criminal control of internet services in Rio de Janeiro.
The operation, called Backbone, targets a group accused of using armed threats to impose a monopoly on internet service in communities controlled by the Comando Vermelho.
Police said the group also used internet-provider companies to launder proceeds.
Authorities are carrying out 23 preventive-arrest warrants and 24 search-and-seizure warrants, and ordered asset freezes of up to R$558 million.
The investigation alleges that Marcinho VP, who is imprisoned, continues to control business activities in the territories with relatives and other faction leaders.
- Who
- The Federal Police arrested Márcia Gama dos Santos Nepomuceno and Lucas Santos Nepomuceno, the mother and brother of rapper Oruam.
- What
- They were arrested in Operation Backbone, which targets alleged criminal control of internet services.
- When
- Monday, October 19, 2026.
- Where
- Rio de Janeiro state, including communities in the Alemão, Penha and Chapadão complexes.
- Why
- The Federal Police says the group used armed threats to impose a monopoly on internet service and launder the proceeds.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Operation
- Backbone
- Arrest warrants
- 23 preventive-arrest warrants
- Search warrants
- 24 search-and-seizure warrants
- Maximum asset freeze
- R$558 million
- People and companies affected
- 40 individuals and 42 companies
- Communities named
- Alemão, Penha and Chapadão complexes
4 sources
What people are saying
The investigations indicate that one of the faction’s long-standing leaders, imprisoned for almost three decades and currently held in the Federal Penitentiary System, continues to control the business activities operated in these territories, together with his family members and other faction leaders