Leomar de Oliveira Barbosa, known as “Leozinho” or “Playboy,” is a Brazilian criminal who has been identified by Brazilian authorities as a longtime associate of Luiz Fernando da Costa, known as Fernandinho Beira-Mar. His name has appeared in investigations involving organized crime and international drug-trafficking networks, making him a recurring figure in Brazilian law-enforcement records.
Barbosa was arrested by Brazilian authorities in 1999 and has faced criminal proceedings related to drug trafficking. According to recent reporting, he was serving sentences in Goiás when he was released from the State Prison of Formosa in July 2018 after authorities mistakenly executed a release order that applied to another judicial matter. At the time, he still had other convictions requiring him to remain in custody. Authorities subsequently issued measures to recapture him, and he has been considered a fugitive since then.
His name has also been connected by authorities to international investigations. Historical reporting from Folha de S.Paulo described Barbosa as a close associate of Beira-Mar and reported that he had previously operated from Paraguay before being recaptured in an international police operation. The same reporting attributed to investigators alleged connections involving international drug-trafficking networks and Colombian suppliers. These historical investigative claims should be distinguished from convictions established by courts.
More recently, Brazilian authorities have continued to identify Barbosa as a wanted fugitive. In 2026, reporting stated that he remained on lists of individuals sought nationally and internationally and that he had outstanding judicial matters in Goiás.
Leozinho’s case has therefore remained relevant to Brazilian law enforcement for decades. His history includes imprisonment, criminal convictions, an erroneous release and a subsequent period as a fugitive. Claims concerning his alleged role in broader criminal networks should continue to be presented as allegations or findings attributed to authorities unless supported by a final judicial decision.
SOURCES
CNN Brasil
[CNN Brasil — Brazil’s most wanted criminals] Open source
Disque Denúncia Rio de Janeiro
[Disque Denúncia — Leomar Oliveira Barbosa] Open source
Folha de S.Paulo
[Folha — Leozinho and investigations in 2004] Open source
Folha de S.Paulo
[Folha — Leozinho and international investigations] Open source
Mais Goiás — 2026
[Mais Goiás — Leozinho’s release and current status] Open source
