Brazilian Federal Police Target Pastor Marcio Poncio in Major Anti-Crime Operation

The Brazilian Federal Police (PF) has launched the fifth phase of "Operação Unha e Carne" (Operation Nail and Flesh), a significant investigation into alleged leaks of confidential police information. Among the individuals targeted with arrest warrants is Pastor Marcio Poncio, alongside contravention offender Adilsinho and former state deputy Rodrigo Bacellar. This operation is part of a broader effort to combat organized crime in Rio de Janeiro, specifically targeting the Comando Vermelho (CV) faction. Previous phases of the operation, conducted between December 2025 and March 2026, focused on uncovering a scheme to leak classified information that could compromise police actions against the CV. The investigation suggests that these leaks may have benefited individuals linked to the criminal organization, potentially allowing for the destruction or concealment of evidence and hindering law enforcement efforts. The case is being addressed within the context of ADPF 635, known as the "ADPF das Favelas," which concerns public security actions in Rio. The initial phase in December 2025 targeted Rodrigo Bacellar, then president of the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro (Alerj), who was accused of leaking information from "Operação Zargun" against the CV. The primary beneficiary, according to the PF, was allegedly ex-deputy Thiego Raimundo de Oliveira Santos, known as TH Joias, who is considered a political articulator for the faction and was arrested in "Operação Zargun." Bacellar was briefly detained but later released under precautionary measures, including an electronic ankle monitor. A subsequent phase in December 2025 deepened the inquiry into the origin of the leaks, leading to the preventive arrest of federal judge Macário Ramos Júdice Neto of the Regional Federal Court of the 2nd Region (TRF-2). Investigators suspect the leaks originated from the federal judiciary, with the judge allegedly passing information to Bacellar, who then relayed it to TH Joias. Evidence, including messages and call records, suggests a close relationship and potential exchange of favors between the judge and the deputy. The third phase, on March 27, 2026, saw Rodrigo Bacellar arrested again at his home in Teresópolis, following his impeachment by the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) in connection with the "Ceperj scandal" and a formal complaint by the Prosecutor General's Office (PGR). The PGR's complaint implicates Bacellar, TH Joias, Judge Macário Júdice Neto, and others, suggesting a network of institutional protection for organized crime.