João Aparecido Ferraz Neto, known as “João Cabeludo,” is a Brazilian criminal who has remained a fugitive since 2002 and has been identified by authorities as a significant figure in organized crime in the Vale do Paraíba region of São Paulo. His name has appeared for years in investigations and reports concerning criminal activity in the region.
According to reporting based on information from Brazilian authorities, João Cabeludo has convictions totaling more than 500 years of imprisonment. The Ministry of Justice and Public Security included him among individuals sought by authorities, with information indicating that his criminal proceedings involved robbery, drug trafficking and other offenses. The government’s list was compiled using information from state authorities and judicial databases.
In 2022, São Paulo authorities carried out Operation Dalila, targeting assets and individuals allegedly connected to a financial structure associated with João Cabeludo. Investigators reported the seizure or blocking of properties, vehicles, bank accounts and other assets. According to police statements reported at the time, the total value of assets affected by judicial measures could reach approximately R$60 million. These investigations involved allegations of money laundering and organized crime and should be distinguished from any final conviction against the individuals investigated.
João Cabeludo has also been associated by authorities and media reports with the Primeiro Comando da Capital, commonly known as PCC. Recent reporting continued to identify him as one of the most wanted Brazilian fugitives and stated that investigators believe he may have been living in Bolivia. His exact whereabouts, however, have not been publicly established by authorities.
His long period as a fugitive, extensive criminal convictions and the international dimension of investigations surrounding his name have kept João Cabeludo among the most prominent fugitives discussed in Brazilian crime reporting. Any allegations arising from ongoing investigations should be distinguished from convictions already established by the courts.
SOURCES
UOL
UOL — Brazil’s most wanted criminals
CNN Brasil
CNN Brasil — Brazil’s most wanted criminals
SBT News
SBT News — Investigation and assets linked to João Cabeludo
O Vale / Sampi
O Vale — João Cabeludo and investigations in the Vale do Paraíba
