Owners of everything: the militia extend their domain and suffocate the inhabitants

In Rio de Janeiro (RJ), the economic model that supports the militias – the systematic extortion of residents and merchants – continues to expand. According to delegate Álvaro Gomes, head of the police station for the repression of organized crime (Draco), this crime has become the main source of strengthening of these organizations.

In an interview with the chronicle, the police authority explained that over the years the militia has perfected the taxation system, which has spread to different communities in the West zone and has consolidated itself as an underground market in which the population forcibly finances the maintenance of armed power.

Extortion machine

The delegate explains that, although the militiamen call these accusations “charges,” what is being practiced is pure extortion. Initially, under the guise of offering protection, criminals charged merchants amounts that varied depending on the size of the business.

Over time, the equipment expanded. The accusations also began to affect residents of dominated areas. Always armed, the militiamen roam the streets like a sort of forced escort, demanding monthly payments under threat to guarantee that the population lives in peace.

Alternative transportation has also become a target. Owners of vans and motorcycle taxi points, who previously freely served the community, are now required to obtain a “license” from the militia in order to circulate. Those who do not pay are threatened and prevented from working.

The sale of gas was also monopolized. “They accepted deposits and started charging more, forcing residents to buy exclusively from them. »

The militia also began controlling basic services, such as internet and phone service, by creating clandestine packages and forcing hiring.

Copied by factions

Thanks to the fees imposed, criminal groups have become financially stronger. After realizing that the model had promise, drug trafficking began to replicate the militia model.

“These companies were copied by the drug trade, the Third Pure Command (TCP) and the Red Command (CV). Today, the factions adopt the same logic in the communities. They charge for gas, install water tanks, impose taxes on energy and the residents are taken hostage,” he said.

The delegate concluded by warning that these taxes enrich criminal organizations and enable the purchase of weapons, which consequently contributes to the increase in territorial wars. “This harmful cycle feeds on itself,” he concluded.