Four individuals were detained during Brazilian police raids against a criminal organization operating an unlicensed ride-hailing service in Rio de Janeiro.
In the bustling city of Rio de Janeiro, a clandestine ride-hailing app has taken over the motorcycle taxi market, controlled by one of Brazil's oldest and largest criminal gangs, Comando Vermelho. The illegal service, operating primarily in the Vila Kennedy neighborhood, coerced over 300 drivers to register and use it exclusively, generating monthly revenue of around 1 million reais (about $185,000).
The app, created by the criminal group about four months before August 2025, effectively banned mainstream services such as Uber and 99 from operating in the areas controlled by Comando Vermelho. The operation was managed by two groups within the gang: one responsible for extorting and threatening the drivers, and the other for collecting profits and transferring funds to local drug lords.
Comando Vermelho's strategy is not limited to controlling transportation services. The gang has also been reported to control essential services such as gas, internet, and basic utilities in the neighborhoods they dominate. This strategy enforces exclusive use of their services through intimidation and violence.
The police in Rio de Janeiro carried out raids against the criminal group in early August 2025, arresting four suspects and executing multiple search warrants to dismantle the operation. The clandestine app served as a high-profit, controlled transportation network imposed by Comando Vermelho to fund criminal activities, replacing legal ride-hailing services through coercion and control.
Meanwhile, Uber launched its motorcycle ride service in Rio de Janeiro in January 2023, having registered 100,000 drivers for the service. The company had transported 3 million users in Rio as of a recent statement.
Elsewhere, the tech industry's "shut-up-and-grind" era has taken over, replacing the dream job image. This shift is being felt in various cities, including Seattle, where Pacific Place is facing retail woes similar to downtown. The real estate market in Seattle is not fully convinced by the new waterfront development.
In unrelated news, Funko, a bobblehead company based in Everett, is being affected by tariffs and other issues. On a brighter note, Cosmic Crisp is now the fifth-most produced apple variety in Washington.
[1] Rio de Janeiro police dismantle clandestine ride-hailing app operated by Comando Vermelho. (2025, August 5). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-58150622
[2] Comando Vermelho's ride-hailing app controlled Vila Kennedy's motorcycle taxis. (2025, August 6). Retrieved from https://www.globo.com/rj/rio-de-janeiro/noticia/2025/08/comando-vermelho-operava-app-de-taxis-motociclistas-em-vila-kennedy.ghtml
[3] Four arrested in connection with Comando Vermelho's ride-hailing app operation. (2025, August 8). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/four-arrested-connection-comando-vermelhos-ride-hailing-app-operation-2025-08-08/
[4] Uber launches motorcycle ride service in Rio de Janeiro. (2023, January 10). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/transportation-logistics/uber-launches-motorcycle-ride-service-rio-de-janeiro-2023-01-10/
[5] Uber's motorcycle ride service transports 3 million users in Rio de Janeiro. (2025, February 15). Retrieved from https://www.uber.com/newsroom/uber-motorcycle-ride-service-rio-de-janeiro-3-million-users/
- The clandestine ride-hailing app, run by Comando Vermelho in Rio de Janeiro, has expanded its control to the motorcycle taxi market, driving out Uber and 99 among others.
- In contrast, Uber's motorcycle ride service has been successful in Rio de Janeiro, transporting over 3 million users as of February 2025.
- Beyond controlled transportation, Comando Vermelho's influence extends to essential services like gas, internet, and utilities in various neighborhoods, enforcing their monopoly through intimidation and violence.
- Meanwhile, Seattle grapples with retail woes similar to downtown, and the real estate market remains sceptical about the new waterfront development.
