Brazil breaks up 'killing firm'

[Judi Lynn]

Source: BBC News

Last Updated: Friday, 13 April 2007, 14:19 GMT 15:19 UK

Brazil breaks up 'killing firm'

Local police officers are suspected of involvement in the gang
Brazil's police say they have broken up a gang suspected of carrying out about 1,000 contract killings in five years.

At least 20 people, including police officers, businessmen and hired gunmen, were arrested in the north-eastern state of Pernambuco.
Police described the gang as "Murder Incorporated" - a professional business operation hired to kill people over small debts, and out of revenge.

The north-eastern state of Pernambuco has the highest murder rate in Brazil.

Death squads involving serving and retired police officers have long been a problem in Brazil where shop-keepers sometimes use them against street children.




Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6552727.stm

[Judi Lynn]

1. Brazil death squad 'killed hundreds'

Brazil death squad 'killed hundreds'
April 13, 2007 - 8:14AM

Fifteen people, including police and businessmen, have been arrested in northeast Brazil over a death squad operation that has killed hundreds of people.

Gunmen based in Caruaru city in Pernambuco state assassinated three or four people a week on average, or around 200 victims a year, federal police said in a statement.
(snip)

The statement also said that policemen suspected of involvement routinely eliminated evidence at crime scenes.

A public prosecutor in Pernambuco state has been denouncing a similar "extermination group" for years and receives regular death threats as a result.

More:
http://www.theage.com.au/news/World/Brazil-death-squad-killed-hundreds/2007/04/13/1175971301497.html