In a significant development in Brazil, federal police announced that Luiz Antônio da Silva Braga, widely known as "Zinho," surrendered after negotiations with local authorities, AP reports.

Zinho, the leader of largest Brazil militia group, faced a staggering 12 arrest warrants.

Brazil's federal police revealed that after the necessary arrest procedures, Zinho underwent medical forensics before being transferred to the state's prison system.

Ricardo Cappelli, the executive secretary of the federal Justice Ministry, praised the extensive investigative efforts that led to Zinho's surrender, emphasizing the dedication of the federal police in their pursuit of justice.

"This is work, work, work," Capelli said.

Brazil Justice Minister Flavio Dino commended the apprehension on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Monday, referring to it as a significant achievement resulting from "serious and planned work" conducted in Rio de Janeiro and other states in the ongoing effort to combat criminal factions, DW noted.

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Brazil Militia Boss, Zinho

Zinho had been designated as the "public enemy Number 1" in the state of Rio de Janeiro, underlining the severity of his criminal influence.

His Brazil militia group has been linked to a series of violent activities, including the torching of 35 buses in retaliation for the police killing of one of its leaders in October, according to BNN.

The same month witnessed the militia's involvement in the murders of three doctors mistaken for the leader of a rival group.

Such incidents of violence have created a climate of fear, underscoring the pressing need for decisive action by law enforcement agencies.

Zinho became the target of Operation Dynasty, a joint effort by the federal police and the Public Ministry of Rio de Janeiro, executed on December 19, per Time News.

The operation aimed to uncover the illegal charging scheme and investigate the financial transactions benefiting from these charges.

The Brazil militia, operating in Rio de Janeiro's west zone, is notorious for imposing its authority through threats and violence, charging illegal fees to businesses and local traders, severely impacting the region's economy.

Zinho's arrest is hailed as a significant victory in the fight against militia-controlled crime, with these groups estimated to control about 10% of Rio's metropolitan area.

Brazil Militia Criminal Groups

Militia groups emerged around four decades ago as community self-defense units against drug gangs, comprising former police, soldiers, firefighters, and prison guards, said Vanguard.

Initially formed with good intentions, they later deviated into extortion and took control of service provision in Rio's poor favelas.

In recent years, these militias have expanded into drug trafficking and money laundering.

A 2020 study revealed that militias control over half of Rio's territory, imposing a reign of terror in poor neighborhoods housing more than two million people.

This ongoing struggle against militia influence emphasizes the challenges faced by law enforcement in ensuring the safety and well-being of Rio's residents.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Buses torched across Rio De Janeiro in apparent retaliation for killing of militia leader - From Associated Press