Resident Killed During Military Police Operation in São Paulo's Favela do Moinho

Military Police Operation Leads to Death in Favela do Moinho

A military police operation conducted on Friday, December 19, 2025, in the Favela do Moinho, located in the central region of São Paulo, Brazil, resulted in the death of a resident. The incident has sparked controversy, with conflicting accounts from authorities and local residents regarding the circumstances of the fatality.

According to the Military Police (PM), the operation aimed to execute search and seizure warrants at two properties believed to be involved in drug trafficking. The police stated that the individual was killed during an 'exchange of fire' ('troca de tiros'). A .32 caliber revolver and a cell phone were reportedly seized from the deceased. The operation was reportedly connected to efforts targeting individuals linked to Leonardo Moja, known as 'Leo do Moinho,' who is identified as an alleged member of the PCC (Primeiro Comando da Capital) and a significant figure in drug trafficking within the region, including the nearby Cracolândia area.

Residents Dispute Official Account, Identify Victim

Residents of Favela do Moinho have strongly contested the police's narrative. They identify the deceased as Felipe Petta, a 38-year-old community member. According to social media posts from residents, Petta was unarmed at the time of the police approach, and there was no exchange of gunfire, only shots fired by the police. Furthermore, residents claim that Felipe Petta had previously been a victim of police violence during an earlier action on December 8, where he was allegedly assaulted by officers and had his hair forcibly shaved.

Context of Ongoing Tensions and Urban Redevelopment

The Favela do Moinho, situated in the Campos Elíseos neighborhood, under the Engenheiro Orlando Murgel Viaduct, is recognized as the last remaining favela in central São Paulo. The community has been a site of significant tension due to ongoing plans for its desocupation. A joint initiative between the Federal Government and the State Government of São Paulo aims to transform the area into a park, with stated goals of combating organized crime and reclaiming public space. This redevelopment has led to a history of forced removals and frequent police presence, often met with protests from residents advocating for their right to housing and against perceived police brutality.

Previous operations in the favela have targeted alleged criminal activities, including the arrest of Alessandra Moja, sister of 'Leo do Moinho,' and Ronaldo Batista de Almeida, known as 'Chorão,' who was accused of operating a 'Tribunal do Crime' (crime court) within the community. The latest incident adds to a broader pattern of high-lethality police operations in Brazilian favelas, which frequently draw criticism from human rights organizations and residents who accuse authorities of excessive force.