His name is Claudio Correa da Silva. On the streets he was called “Pastor Claudio.” On paper, he presented himself as a community and religious leader and conflict mediator. In practice, according to Rio’s civil police, the priest was one of the pillars of an extortion scheme run by the Comando Vermelho (CV) in the Duque de Caxias industrial zone.
The involvement of the cleric came to light during Operation Refinaria Livre, launched by the Anti-Narcotics Police Center (DRE), on Thursday morning (27/11), by the DRE – Baixada Fluminense and 60 DP, which targeted a criminal association responsible for enforcing rules, threatening companies and collecting monthly fees from businessmen operating in the industrial area dominated by drug trafficking.
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The priest becomes Comando Vermelho’s arm in an extortion scheme in Rio
Claudio reached out to companies claiming to represent the community and provided “guidelines” that should be followed. The investigation shows that there was no directive, but rather an order.
The rules were dictated by Joab da Conceição Silva, the local drug trafficking boss and an influential figure in the Red Command. In his absence, the priest had the last word.
According to the investigation, the religious obligation:
• Prohibiting the presence of trucks in the yards under the threat of fire. • Enforce the employment of residents associated with drug trafficking. • Charge “fees” for protection. • Forced cessation of production activities. • Direct threats to businessmen and workers.
The entire community defense rhetoric was a front for systematic blackmail.
Direct contact with traffickers
Agents point out that the priest was free to move in areas controlled by the faction and acted as an official intermediary between organized crime and the business complex.
He assumed the role of a “drug patron,” gaining Joab’s trust and actively participating in the criminal movement.
Claudio also helped maintain a drug trafficking infiltration within the companies. The group recommended unqualified candidates for vacant strategic positions and charged bribes in exchange for hiring.
One of these entries was Diana de Jesus Oliveira, Joab’s companion, who was placed inside the industrial zone a few days before the criminal attack on the 60th DP, in February 2025.
He was arrested in possession of weapons and grenades
The pastor’s image began to crumble at the beginning of November. On November 5th this year, Claudio was arrested in Betim (MG), during Operation Birds of Prey, after he was caught in possession of a 9mm pistol, six M26 hand grenades, ammunition and cash.
According to the police, he admitted to transferring the arsenal from the Duque de Caxias to support acts of intimidation against the Gabriel Passos refinery, in Minas Gerais, under the pretext of an alleged strike movement.
The car also contained explosive devices and the head of the Fuel Transport Companies Association, which reinforces the involvement of unions and official bodies in the criminal structure.