Police in Brazil have ramped up security measures in anticipation of Prince William’s visit to Rio following a day of violence that left 64 people dead, including four police officers, and led to the apprehension of 80 suspects linked to the feared criminal group, Comando Vermelho. Authorities are urgently seeking the capture of the gang’s leader, Edgard Alves Andrade, before the prince’s scheduled arrival for the Earthshot prize ceremony.
In response to the recent surge in violence, law enforcement has deployed armed units in one of Brazil’s largest manhunts targeting Andrade, who is accused of orchestrating over 100 killings. A significant reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the 55-year-old fugitive, known by the alias “Urso” or Bear.
Sources report that with the imminent arrival of Prince William and other dignitaries, security measures in Rio have been significantly heightened. The government has mobilized additional police forces and military personnel to ensure the safety of the city during the prince’s visit, amid concerns of potential outbreaks of violence.
Andrade, identified as a key figure in the Red Command gang, managed to evade capture during a massive police operation involving 2,500 officers in Rio’s Penha and Alemao favelas. Authorities have confirmed a substantial reward of £14,000 for information leading to his apprehension, the largest bounty ever offered by Disque Denuncia, a longstanding crime-reporting organization in Rio.
Notorious for his alleged involvement in multiple heinous crimes, Andrade has been linked to various murders, including a triple homicide in a tourist area of Rio and the disappearance of three children from Belford Roxo. Born in northeast Brazil, Andrade has evaded capture since his prison escape in 2017, with reports indicating 26 outstanding arrest warrants against him.
Described as Rio’s public enemy number one, Andrade remains at large and is suspected of orchestrating numerous violent incidents. The scale of the manhunt and the substantial bounty on his head reflect the gravity of the situation as authorities intensify efforts to bring him to justice.
