Operation seizes CV antennas to circumvent prison blockade

An operation carried out at the Gabriel Ferreira Castilho Prison (Bangu 3-B), in the Gericinó Complex, seized four antennas and 14 cell phones last Monday (25). Some of the devices are state-of-the-art and valued at more than R$8,000.

Although it seems like just another seizure in the Rio de Janeiro prison system, the action revealed an attempt by prisoners linked to the CV (Comando Vermelho) to circumvent the new technology installed by the state government in early 2026 to block cell phone signals, internet via Wi-Fi and even approaching drones. According to investigations, the detainees were trying to access a communication signal through a satellite connection.

According to Seppen (Secretariat of State for Criminal Police), the operation was carried out based on intelligence information that indicated an attempt to "circumvent" the new blocking system.

The seized material was sent to the 34th DP (Bangu), and the Secretariat's General Inspectorate opened an inquiry to investigate the facts.

PCC and CV: how factions now considered terrorists by the USA emerged

In January this year, the Rio government installed new blockers in the Bangu 3 and Bangu 4 prisons. The investment in the two units was R$845 thousand. The project foresees the expansion of technology to the 49 units of the state's prison system, with an estimated cost of R$431 million.

Bangu 3 is a maximum security penitentiary divided into two blocks: the Dr. Serrano Neves Penitentiary (Bangu 3-A) and the Gabriel Ferreira Castilho Penitentiary (Bangu 3-B). The unit is historically known for housing members and leaders of the Red Command.

Source: CNN