Dozens arrested in Rio for murder, extortion of Petrobras contractors
By Gram Slattery and Rodrigo Viga Gaier RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Police in Rio de Janeiro arrested more than 40 people on Thursday for their alleged roles in a murderous gang that extorted companies working for state-run oil company Petrobras and established a secret cemetery to dispose of rivals. The arrests highlight how South America's third largest city and suburbs have struggled with the growing power of so-called militias — criminal groups run by retired and off-duty police officers dominating distribution of utilities and basic goods for millions of residents. The operation also underscores the threat of organized crime to Brazil's fast-growing oil and gas sector.
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