The candidate for state deputy Renato Machado (PT) had his candidacy challenged by the Electoral Public Ministry, which points to him as suspected of leading a criminal organization in Maricá, in the Metropolitan Region of Rio. According to the action, he would be the "leader of the political nucleus and intellectual mentor" of the structure, which would exercise political, financial, and armed dominance in the municipality. The illegal activities under investigation include illegal gambling, drug trafficking, and militia activity.
The MP's statement is based on elements gathered in a Police Inquiry conducted by the Civil Police in conjunction with the Special Action Group for Combating Organized Crime (GAECO/RJ). The investigation indicates that the organization under investigation maintains a close relationship with a supposed "Narcomilitia" in the region.
The narco-militia would be led by Rodrigo José Barbosa da Silva, known as "Rodrigo Negão," pointed out in the action as the main ally of Renato Machado. The suspect is described as the "armed wing" of the PT candidate, indicating a supposed division of tasks between the political leadership and the organization's violence structure.
