RIO DE JANEIRO – As millions descended upon Rio de Janeiro for Carnival celebrations this weekend, police adopted an unconventional tactic to combat a persistent threat: cellphone theft. Officers in the Santa Teresa neighborhood were deployed in disguise, donning masks inspired by popular culture – including characters from “Money Heist” and “Friday the 13th” – to blend in with the revelers and apprehend thieves, a strategy that highlights the ongoing challenge of petty crime during the city’s most vibrant festival. The effort to curb phone theft during Carnival is a recurring theme, and this year’s approach demonstrates a willingness to adapt to the environment and the tactics of criminals.
Carnival officially kicked off on Friday, transforming Rio into a whirlwind of music, dance, and elaborate costumes. But amidst the festivities, the risk of becoming a victim of theft looms large for both tourists and locals. The city’s civil police reported the arrest of two individuals on Friday after officers observed a woman allegedly snatching a cellphone from a festival-goer and handing it off to an accomplice. Five stolen phones were recovered during the operation, according to police statements. This proactive policing strategy underscores the authorities’ commitment to ensuring a safe Carnival experience, even if it means employing somewhat theatrical methods.
Undercover Tactics Expand Beyond Rio
This isn’t the first instance of Brazilian law enforcement utilizing costume-based undercover operations during Carnival and other large events. Just last Sunday, in São Paulo, police officers dressed as “Ghostbusters” apprehended a woman found in possession of 12 stolen cellphones, as reported by the Associated Press. Prior to that, officers disguised as aliens successfully apprehended a man with three stolen phones concealed under his clothing. These instances demonstrate a broader trend of creative policing strategies aimed at deterring crime during periods of heightened public gatherings.
The BBC reported that the officers in Rio were disguised as characters including Captain America, Batman, and Jason Voorhees, in addition to those from “Money Heist.” The two suspects arrested Friday had a combined 30 prior criminal records, police said, and one of the suspects allegedly feigned pregnancy in an attempt to avoid arrest. Footage released by the police showed the officers, still in costume, leading the suspects away in handcuffs.
A Decline in Cellphone Theft, But Concerns Remain
While the visible efforts to combat theft during Carnival are noteworthy, broader trends indicate a slight decrease in cellphone thefts across Brazil. According to the 2025 annual report by the Brazilian Forum on Public Safety suppose-tank, reported cases dropped from approximately 980,000 in 2022 to around 850,000 in 2024. This represents a positive shift, but the fear of both armed robberies and opportunistic pickpocketing remains a significant concern for Brazilians.
Public opinion polls consistently identify violence and crime as the primary concerns of Brazilian citizens. The festive atmosphere of Carnival, while attracting millions, also creates an environment conducive to petty crime, making proactive policing measures like these undercover operations all the more crucial. The “Operation Tracking” initiative, a state-level program focused on tracking and recovering stolen mobile phones, has reportedly located over 13,000 devices and returned approximately 4,400 to their owners, demonstrating a broader commitment to addressing the issue.
The use of elaborate disguises by law enforcement isn’t unique to Brazil. Similar tactics have been employed by Peruvian police, who often utilize costumes during holidays like Valentine’s Day, Halloween, and Christmas to apprehend suspected criminals. This suggests a growing recognition of the effectiveness of blending in with the crowd as a means of catching offenders off guard.
The success of these undercover operations hinges on the element of surprise and the ability to seamlessly integrate into the Carnival atmosphere. By adopting the guise of revelers, officers can more effectively identify and apprehend thieves without disrupting the festivities or raising undue alarm. The choice of costumes – referencing popular culture phenomena like “Money Heist” and “Friday the 13th” – likely aims to capitalize on the visual spectacle of Carnival itself, further enhancing the officers’ ability to blend in.
As Carnival continues through next Saturday, Rio de Janeiro police are expected to maintain their heightened presence and continue employing innovative strategies to protect both residents and visitors. The focus remains on deterring crime and ensuring that the celebrations can proceed safely and enjoyably for all. The next update from the Civil Police is expected early next week, detailing the overall impact of Operation Tracking and any further arrests made during the remainder of the festival.
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