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This is the moment two most wanted female fugitives are arrested in a shopping mall after continuing to direct executions and drug trafficking operations while hiding in gang-controlled communities.
The pair, identified as Priscila Moreira Janis, known as "Mana Isa", and Ingride Fontinelles Morais, nicknamed "Mulher do Buchudo", were seized after two years on the run in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday, 3rd August.
According to police, the women were senior figures in the Red Command criminal faction, which mainly operates in the state of Mato Grosso.
Janis and her ex-husband, who was one of the gang's leaders, are said to be behind at least 100 murders.
She and Moraes, the wife of another gang leader, are also believed to have headed many of the gang's drug trafficking operations.
Authorities say the two continued giving out orders after they fled Mato Grosso to hide in Rio de Janeiro in 2023 when police began investigating their crimes.
They were arrested in a joint operation between the Civil Police of Mato Grosso and the Rio de Janeiro Civil Police, following months of surveillance.
Video footage shows the moment plainclothes officers approach and detain the women at the mall, with news cameras capturing the aftermath as the pair are led away.
Janis, who reportedly ran the Red Command's operations since 2022, was arrested for organised crime and homicide, while Moraes faces charges of organised crime and drug trafficking.
Authorities allege the duo continued to coordinate executions, "salves" (internal punishments), and drug distribution while in hiding.
Police say the pair were behind a violent gang war that erupted following a leadership split inside the Red Command, leading to the formation of a rival faction called Tropa do Castelar.
The conflict is believed to have resulted in over 100 killings.
Investigators said Janis' leadership style was described as "extremely violent", and her conduct led to a spike in murders and an eventual 450 per cent increase in killings in the region.
Authorities have confirmed that Janis and Moraes will now be transferred to the Mato Grosso penitentiary system to face charges and serve their sentences in maximum security.
(Mike Leidig / newsX)
Byline Journalist: Mike Leidig
Byline Sub editor: Simona Kitanovska
Byline Spotter: Ivica Stojanovski
Byline Commisioning Editor: Mike Leidig
Byline Senior Writer: Mike Leidig
Byline Picture Editor: Zorica Stojkovik
Byline Video Editor: David Stojkovic
Byline Copychecker: Angela Trajkovska
Byline Illustrator: Angela Trajkovska
Byline News Editor: Simona Kitanovska
Geography: Rio_de_Janeiro_(state)
Subject: Emergency, Police, Legal, Crime, Social media, Society
T4 Editor Story Rating: 7
T4 Editor Pic/Vid rating: 8
T4 Total rating: 7.5
