High-Profile Arrests Link Police Delegate to PCC Leader
In a significant development in Brazil's ongoing battle against organized crime, a police delegate, Layla Lima Ayub, and her partner, Jardel Neto Pereira da Cruz, known as 'Dedel,' were arrested on January 16, 2026, in São Paulo. Dedel is identified by authorities as a leader within the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), one of Brazil's largest criminal organizations. The arrests stem from an investigation into the infiltration of organized crime into state structures.
PCC's Expansion Efforts in Roraima Led by 'Dedel'
Jardel Neto Pereira da Cruz, or 'Dedel,' was previously arrested in 2021 in Roraima for drug trafficking and organized crime. According to investigations, he was dispatched from São Paulo to Roraima with the specific mission of strengthening the PCC's operations in the state and prioritizing the recruitment of minors. Dedel had escaped from the prison system in Roraima in October 2023 but was subsequently re-arrested in Marabá, Pará.
Delegate Under Scrutiny for Alleged PCC Ties
Delegate Layla Lima Ayub, who was sworn into her position in December 2025, is under suspicion for maintaining personal and professional ties with PCC members. Authorities allege that she may have irregularly exercised her role as an advocate for the faction, even after becoming a delegate. Both Ayub and Dedel were apprehended in a pension located in the Western Zone of São Paulo, where they had been residing since relocating to the city. The couple is currently under investigation for crimes including organized crime and money laundering.
PCC's Presence in Roraima
The Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) has a significant and expanding presence in Roraima, a state strategically important for drug and arms trafficking due to its borders. The faction has established a network of drug sales points, often referred to as 'stores,' and has been actively involved in various criminal activities, including money laundering through illegal mining.
5 Comments
KittyKat
Good riddance to corrupt cops and criminals. They belong behind bars.
Katchuka
The arrests are a positive sign of progress against high-level crime, especially given the PCC's expansion efforts. However, the ongoing struggle in strategic regions like Roraima indicates that this problem is systemic and requires sustained, comprehensive effort, not just individual arrests.
Loubianka
This shows real progress in fighting the PCC's influence.
Africa
While these arrests are crucial for public trust, they also highlight how deeply organized crime has infiltrated state structures. It's clear the fight is far from over.
ZmeeLove
Finally, cleaning house! No more corrupt officials enabling criminals.