Brazil: Police wear fancy dress in Rio Carnival phone theft sting
BBC World
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Brazilian police in Rio de Janeiro pulled off an unusual anti-crime operation during the city's vibrant Carnival festival, disguising themselves as characters like Jason Voorhees from *Friday the 13th* and "Money Heist"匪徒 to catch phone thieves. The initiative involved undercover officers blending into the festivities, using elaborate costumes and masks to target criminals. A drone spotted a woman stealing a phone from an attendee, leading to the arrest of two suspects. Footage showed the disguised officers apprehending the pair, who allegedly had 30 criminal records combined.
The operation was part of *Operation Tracking*, a state-wide effort to combat phone theft and resale in Rio. Since its launch, over 13,000 stolen phones have been located, with nearly 4,400 devices successfully returned to their owners. The arrests occurred during Carnival, a massive event drawing millions of visitors each year—though it also spikes petty crimes like pickpocketing and phone theft. This year's festival runs from February 23 to March 4, with parades and street parties across the city.
Brazilian police are not alone in using creative tactics to combat crime. Peruvian law enforcement has similarly disguised agents as characters like Marvel superheroes, the Grinch, and even capybaras during holidays like Halloween and Valentine's Day. These strategies highlight a growing trend of innovative policing methods aimed at catching criminals in high-crime environments.
The use of disguises during Carnival demonstrates both the challenges and creativity involved in law enforcement during large-scale events. While Rio's Carnival is celebrated for its culture and vibrancy, it also presents significant security risks. By blending into the crowd and using advanced surveillance tools like drones, Brazilian police have managed to disrupt criminal activity while maintaining a low profile.
This approach not only helps reduce crime but also sends a strong message about law enforcement's commitment to public safety—even in the most chaotic of settings. The success of such operations underscores the importance of adaptability and innovation in modern
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/14/2026