Civil Police in Rio Grande do Norte arrested at least 26 suspects on Thursday morning during the fifth phase of Operation Renorcrim, a coordinated crackdown targeting the command structure and financial network of an organized crime group operating across the state.

State judicial authorities issued a total of 59 search and arrest warrants through the Specialized Court for Organized Crime Offenses (UJUDOCRIM). Police units carried out raids across eight municipalities, including the state capital Natal, Parnamirim, Macaiba, Sao Jose de Mipibu, Sao Goncalo do Amarante, Extremoz, Areia Branca, and Joao Camara. According to reporting by Inter TV Cabugi published by G1, one suspect escaped after an exchange of gunfire with officers, during which a dog was killed. The operation utilized state police helicopters and involved prison guards monitoring suspects subject to electronic ankle monitors.

Investigation timeline and group structure

The investigation began in 2024, when detectives started mapping the internal division of roles within the criminal network. Previous operational phases gathered intelligence on different organizational tiers, identifying members responsible for street-level offenses, communication of orders, and logistical support.

In a formal statement, the Civil Police detailed the methodology behind the operation:

Through investigative procedures, field surveys, police intelligence cross-referencing, and data analysis, members carrying out distinct roles within the group were identified. The continuity of this investigative work enabled a broader understanding of the internal mechanics of the organization, established links between the suspects, and reached members untouched in earlier stages.

Next legal steps

Officers seized firearms, narcotics, vehicles, and undeclared cash during the morning searches. Under Brazilian law and the presumption of innocence, the suspects remain in custody while formal evidentiary procedures are conducted.

All seized materials have been sent for official forensic examination. The detainees are scheduled to appear before a judge for mandatory custody hearings to assess the legality of the arrests, while investigators finalize individual case reports to submit to the state Public Prosecutor's Office for formal indictment.