One in Three Rio de Janeiro Residents Lives in Area With Gang or Militia Presence, Survey Shows - Folha de S.Paulo

Around 5.2 million people, equivalent to nearly one-third of the population of Rio de Janeiro state, live in areas where criminal gangs or militias operate, according to a survey by the ISP (Public Security Institute) released Wednesday (11). The study identified 1,530 areas with a presence of these groups in 2025.

According to the survey, organized crime is present across 614.3 square kilometers. Although this accounts for 1.4% of the state's total area, it is home to 32.2% of its residents.

The Comando Vermelho gang has the largest presence, operating in 779 locations where around 3 million people live. Militias operate in 300 areas, home to 917,000 residents, followed by Terceiro Comando Puro in 274 areas, with around 915,000 inhabitants. Amigos dos Amigos operates in 91 areas, home to 222,000 residents. In 86 areas, with around 126,000 people, it was not possible to identify the predominant group.