A front-line female crime boss for the Comando Vermelho (CV) known as "Penélope" and "Japinha" died Tuesday during a clash with security forces in Rio de Janeiro's North Zone, Metrópoles reported, in what was the largest and deadliest police raid on the crime infested part of the city. The "musa do crime" was a trusted figure who protected drug sale points.
Scenes of smoke have had local media dub the pictures "Gaza-like" and "state of war."
She was struck by a rifle shot to the face in the Alemão and Penha complexes. Nicknamed the "musa do crime" for posting provocative photos with weapons, "Penélope" was considered a trusted figure by trafficking leaders, tasked with protecting escape routes and drug sale points, according to Metrópoles.
➡️ Musa do crime, Japinha do CV teve o rosto esfacelado com tiro de fuzil
Apontada como uma figura de confiança dos líderes locais do tráfico, Penélope costumava atuar na proteção de rotas de fuga dos criminosos
Leia na coluna Na Mira, de @carloscarone78:… pic.twitter.com/iAzPWgljri
— Metrópoles (@Metropoles) October 29, 2025
Her body was found near a main community access point after hours of gunfire, Metrópoles noted. Reports indicate "Penélope" resisted and opened fire on agents before being fatally shot in the head. She was found wearing camouflage and a tactical vest with rifle magazine compartments, reinforcing her active front-line role for the faction, as reported by Metrópoles.
The death of "Penélope" occurred during the deadliest police operation in the state's history, Metrópoles confirmed. The operation concluded with 64 fatalities, including four police officers, and 81 arrests.
The Palácio Guanabara stated the action involved 2,500 agents from the Civil Police, Military Police, and special units, Metrópoles reported. The operation's objective was to halt the CV's territorial expansion and dismantle its logistical base.
Residents of the Grota, Fazendinha, and Vila Cruzeiro regions described a "night of terror." Metrópoles detailed accounts of helicopters overhead and armored vehicles clearing paths, with gunfire and explosions lasting until dawn.
Despite the massive police presence, some criminals managed to flee via alternative routes. Agents discovered tunnels and camouflaged passages between structures used for coordinated escapes, Metrópoles reported. The tactic recalled a similar maneuver seen during the 2010 invasion of Alemão.
