Brazil arrests five suspects linked to alleged plot targeting officials and judges

A Brazilian criminal group known as C4 allegedly conspired to assassinate lawmakers and judges using rifles, explosives, and hired lures—prompting a nationwide police operation that has so far led to five arrests.

Brazil’s Federal Police announced on Wednesday the arrest of five suspects believed to be members of an organised group that was allegedly formed to target lawmakers and high-ranking judicial officials. The arrests were part of an ongoing investigation that began after the murder of a lawyer in Cuiabá, the capital of Mato Grosso state.

The group, reportedly founded by a military officer and involving civilian members, referred to itself as “C4,” an abbreviation for “Command for hunting Communists, Corrupt people, and Criminals,” according to a document obtained by police and seen by Reuters.

Authorities said the organisation offered to carry out attacks on prominent figures in exchange for money, charging up to 250,000 reais (around $44,000) to target judges and 150,000 reais for senators. The document described the group as being armed with rifles and explosives and stated they allegedly used prostitutes to lure targets.

Federal Police did not confirm whether any public officials were harmed. However, the investigation was reportedly triggered by the killing of the lawyer, with one suspect—a retired colonel already imprisoned in connection with the case—among those named in the latest operation.

As part of the investigation, officers executed six search and seizure warrants across three Brazilian states. The authorities have not disclosed the identities of the suspects or whether further arrests are expected.

The Federal Police emphasised that the operation was ongoing and that the evidence collected would be used to determine the full scope of the alleged conspiracy.

Copied