Santa Cruz de La Sierra: the Bolivian city that became a refuge for PCC leaders

Exclusive: Fantastic shows Mijão, head of the PCC, enjoying pagoda in Bolivia.
Santa Cruz de La Sierra, in Bolivia, returned to the center of investigations into the First Command of the Capital (PCC) after the arrest of Gerson Palermo, one of the heads of the faction, this Tuesday (26). The Bolivian city, where the drug dealer was located after six years on the run, is identified by Brazilian authorities as one of the main refuges for leaders of the criminal group outside Brazil.
According to investigations by the Federal Police and the Public Ministry, Santa Cruz de La Sierra has become a kind of strategic base for the faction for international cocaine trafficking and the protection of fugitive criminals.
Report aired by Fantástico last year showed how members of the PCC lead a luxurious routine in the city Bolivian, living in mansions, gated communities and frequenting bars and restaurants without attracting the attention of local authorities (see the video above).
"They use Bolivia as a hub, as a place where they are not bothered by local authorities," said prosecutor Gakiya. "Some have restaurants, nightclubs and live in extremely luxurious condominiums."
A drug dealer sentenced to 126 years was placed under house arrest, broke his ankle bracelet and was never found again
Among the criminals identified as residents of the region is Sérgio Luiz de Freitas Filho, known as "Mijão", "Xixi" or "2X", identified by the Public Ministry as the main leader of the PCC at liberty. According to investigations, he has lived for more than a decade in Santa Cruz de La Sierra using a false identity and moving around mansions in high-end condominiums.
Documents obtained by Fantástico showed that "Mijão" has lived in at least six luxury properties in the Bolivian city. In one of the residences, the rent reached almost R$30,000 per month.
'Boss asked': messages indicate a judge's prior request to release a drug trafficker before the request reaches the court
In addition to "Mijão" and now Gerson Palermo, other names linked to the PCC passed through the Bolivian city. Among them are Fuminho, arrested in Mozambique; André do Rap, still at large; and Tuta, captured in May this year after trying to renew a false document.
Investigative journalist Guider Arancibia, who lives under death threat in Santa Cruz, denounces the presence of camouflaged businessmen who, according to him, are "ferocious wolves of international drug trafficking".
"Here, with money, you go unpunished. You buy a judge, a prosecutor, you buy everything", said photographer Ditter Morales. "The police here are corrupt," said engineer Erlen Hurtado.
In this year's Bolivian presidential race, one of the right-wing candidates, Jorge Quiroga, promised to fight the PCC.
"Here the PCC bosses are walking around like Pedro in his house," he said. In Spanish, it's like saying that they make Bolivia "mother Joana's home."
The Federal Police of Brazil states, in a note, that it constantly monitors fugitives and that it has cooperated with Bolivia, as in the case of Tuta's arrest.
But journalist Guider points out flaws: "There are decisions that come from Brazil that remain frozen. It is not a product of forgetfulness, it is a product of corruption."
Even with recent operations and cooperation between the Brazilian and Bolivian police, authorities still face difficulties in capturing members of the faction hiding in the region. In the case of Palermo, the arrest occurred in a joint action between the Federal Police and the Bolivian anti-drug trafficking force.
Santa Cruz de La Sierra: the Bolivian city that became a refuge for PCC leaders
Reproduction/TV Globo
GloboPop: click to see the videos from the Fantástico stage
Listen to the Fantástico podcasts
THIS IS FANTASTIC
The Isso É podcast Fantástico is available on g1 and the main podcast apps, bringing great reports, investigations and fascinating podcast stories with Fantástico's journalism seal: depth, context and information. Follow, like or subscribe to Isso É Fantástico on your favorite podcast player. Every Sunday there's a new episode.

Source: G1

Continue lendo

27/05/2026

End of the 6x1 scale: Chamber committee approves PEC that reduces working hours and increases days off

End of the 6x1 scale: Chamber committee approves PEC textThe special committee that discusses the Proposed Amendment t...

27/05/2026

Trump commented on Lula during a meeting with Flávio Bolsonaro

US President Donald Trump commented on Lula with Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) during the meeting with the senator and pre-...

27/05/2026

Santos will play friendlies in Europe during the World Cup break; see program

Santos announced, in the early afternoon of this Wednesday (27), that it will go on a tour to Portugal during the foot...

Top Cifras

Toque agora.

1 Mi Cocodrilo Verde Caetano Veloso

2 Coffee Shop The Red Hot Chili Peppers

3 Samba Italiano Demônios da Garoa

4 Sem Saber Pique Novo