Kidnappings, murders and threats: police indict 17 members of a criminal organization in Greater Natal

The police reported that the investigations gathered a robust set of technical, digital and expert evidence that made it possible to identify the hierarchical structure and the way in which the criminal group operates. Based on the body of evidence produced during the investigation, the Civil Police took several precautionary measures. Investigation based on kidnapping The investigation made significant progress, according to the police, based on a crime recorded in December 2025, when a man was lured and kidnapped by members of the criminal organization. On that occasion, the victim was taken to a warehouse, where he remained tied up and was interrogated in a video call with leaders of the faction, who were seeking information about the whereabouts of his brother, identified as a member of a rival group. After interrogation, the victim was taken to a wooded area in a rural area, where he would be executed. However, taking advantage of a moment of distraction from the suspects, he reacted, injured one of the criminals and fled. During the escape, the injured criminal abandoned a bag containing personal documents and a cell phone. According to the Civil Police, the investigation carried out on the cell phone revealed essential information for further investigations. Monthly contribution and other modes of action The police reported that the analysis of the material on the cell phone made it possible to identify the internal functioning of the criminal organization. The material made it possible to identify the group's way of acting, with: territorial division between leaders responsible for certain neighborhoods; the existence of a mandatory monthly collection system called “Caixa da Cidade”, with a contribution of R$150 per member; records related to the group's financial control; application of internal punishments; monitoring the disciplinary situation of members. Precautionary measures and new kidnapping The police reported that they adopted precautionary measures, but criminal activities continued in 2026. In January, the investigated invaded the residence of the partner of a member of a rival group, keeping the victim in private prison under serious threats, in the presence of her 1-year-old daughter. "The woman's execution was not completed due to the approach of a Military Police vehicle, a circumstance that led the suspects to flee the scene," the Civil Police reported. Five remain at large They remain fugitives from justice: Julio Souza de Carvalho, known as “Índio”, aged 28; Robson da Cruz Ferreira, known as Popupinho, aged 23; Alin Kael Silva de Melo dos Santos, known as “Kael”, aged 22; Creyson da Silva Santos, known as “Creysinho”, aged 26; Theles Pereira do Nascimento, known as “Leozinho da Batalha”, aged 19. The Civil Police requests that information that may contribute to locating fugitives be passed on, anonymously and securely, through Hotline 181. Most watched videos on g1 RN