Rio Police Target Justice League Mafia
The Justice League (Liga da Justica), is one of the most dangerous militias of the western suburbs of Rio, according to the special anti-organized crime unit (GAECO).
The group, accused of homicides, torture, kidnappings, and extortion, is led by the ex-state deputy Natalino Guimaraes and his brother, the ex-city councilman Jerominho — both jailed in maximum security penitentiary since 2008.
It is largely funded by “taxing” locals for security, and by the provision of illicit public services, such as transport, gas, Internet and TV licenses.
“Operation Pandora” involved 150 officers from the Civil Police, the Combat of Organized Crime Unit and the Security Secretariat of the Rio de Janeiro state. Nine more suspected members of the militia are still at large, including retired members of the military and civil police.