PCC Confirmed to Be Involved in Assassination of Former São Paulo Police Chief Ruy Fontes

Official Confirms PCC Involvement

The Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) criminal organization has been definitively linked to the assassination of Ruy Ferraz Fontes, former Director-General of the Civil Police of São Paulo. Guilherme Derrite, the Secretary of Public Security for the State of São Paulo, made the unequivocal statement on Thursday, September 18, 2025, during a press conference. Derrite declared that 'não resta dúvida de que o PCC está envolvido' ('there is no doubt that the PCC is involved') in the execution of Fontes.

The Assassination of Ruy Ferraz Fontes

Ruy Ferraz Fontes, 63, was brutally murdered on Monday, September 15, 2025, in Praia Grande, on the coast of São Paulo. At the time of his death, Fontes served as the Secretary of Administration for the City of Praia Grande. His assassination was described by authorities as a 'professional execution' and 'meticulously planned.' Fontes was ambushed after leaving the city hall, with criminals pursuing his vehicle until it collided with a bus. They then opened fire, discharging more than 20 rifle shots, with his car sustaining 29 perforations. Fontes had a distinguished career spanning over 40 years in the Civil Police, notably serving as Director-General from 2019 to 2022. He was widely known for his relentless efforts against organized crime, particularly the PCC, earning him the reputation of an 'enemy of the PCC.' Reports indicate that a 2019 letter had already revealed an order from the PCC to execute him, and he had expressed concerns about his personal safety prior to the attack.

Investigation Progress and Suspects

The investigation into Fontes' murder has identified two primary suspects: Flavio Henrique Fernandes (also known as Flavio Henrique Ferreira de Souza) and Felipe Avelino de Souza, who is known by the alias 'Mascherano.' Both individuals are currently fugitives. Secretary Derrite confirmed that 'Mascherano' is a member of the PCC, holding a significant role as a 'disciplina' (discipline) in the ABC region, and has a criminal history including drug trafficking and robbery. In connection with the case, Dahesly Oliveira Pires, 25, was temporarily arrested on suspicion of transporting a rifle used in the crime. She is reportedly the girlfriend of one of the involved individuals and was already wanted for drug trafficking. A task force comprising various police units, including ROTA, Batalhão de Choque, DHPP, and Deic, has been established to pursue the perpetrators. A vehicle believed to have been used by the attackers was found burned shortly after the execution. While the involvement of the PCC is confirmed, the exact motivation behind the killing remains under investigation, with authorities exploring whether it stemmed from Fontes' police career or his recent administrative role in Praia Grande.

The Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC)

The Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) is recognized as one of Brazil's largest and most influential criminal organizations. Founded on August 31, 1993, within the Casa de Custódia de Taubaté prison, the group initially established itself in São Paulo but has since expanded its operations across Brazil and into neighboring countries such as Paraguay, Bolivia, Colombia, and Venezuela. More recently, the PCC has also extended its reach into Europe. The organization's primary source of funding is drug trafficking, supplemented by activities like cargo theft, bank robberies, and kidnappings. The PCC is known for its capacity to orchestrate large-scale criminal actions, including simultaneous attacks and prison rebellions, as demonstrated in 2006. Its leader, Marcos Willians Herbas Camacho, known as 'Marcola,' is reported to have issued an order for Fontes' death in 2019.