TikTok accounts in Rio de Janeiro are being used to promote criminal organizations, with videos showing young men displaying weapons, jewelry and luxury vehicles. Some profiles also refer to criminal groups and celebrate illegal activity, according to a report by g1.
In a livestream watched by nearly 12,000 people, a user who claimed to belong to the Terceiro Comando displayed a rifle and threatened members of rival group Comando Vermelho. Another account, whose owner said he was from the Salgueiro Complex in São Gonçalo, posted content praising criminal practices and showing luxury cars and motorcycles.
Other posts reportedly included audio said to have been recorded during robberies. Some videos showed men carrying rifles and radios, as well as cars used as barricades and locations where vehicles were dismantled. The profiles attracted thousands of followers, who commented on the vehicles and other items displayed.
Criminal lawyer Carolina Heringer told g1 that, depending on the content, users who promote criminal organizations or encourage crimes could face charges including glorifying or inciting crime, or promoting a criminal organization.
The Civil Police’s Capital Automobile Robbery and Theft Division said it had identified and analyzed 21 short-video platform accounts linked to the advertising and sale of vehicles of criminal origin. Three were targeted during Operation Sinal Oculto, launched on August 27, 2026. The investigation began in May 2025, and police said other accounts remain under investigation.
According to the police statement, profiles linked to the suspected trade often remain active for around 30 to 60 days before being deactivated, blocked or replaced. Investigators also found the use of false or third-party registration details, phone numbers registered to people apparently unrelated to the suspects, and bank accounts belonging to others.
During the operation, authorities issued 37 search warrants, resulting in 11 searches, and carried out one arrest warrant and two arrests in flagrante delicto. Police reported seizing 19 mobile phones, eight card machines, seven radios, three vehicles, two imitation rifles, digital media, ammunition and other items. The seized electronics are being examined as investigators look for other participants and links between accounts.
TikTok said its rules prohibit content that glorifies violence or promotes crimes that could harm people, animals or property. The company said its moderation systems operate continuously and remove violating material, including content flagged automatically. It also said its transparency report for the second quarter of 2026 showed that 99.4% of content related to violent and criminal behavior was removed proactively.
The report also described a separate video posted on X in which a user offered what he claimed were counterfeit banknotes. The account was removed from the platform within hours of the post.
Sources: G1.