Álvaro Malaquias Santa Rosa, known as “Peixão,” is one of the most prominent figures in recent investigations into organized crime in Rio de Janeiro. Brazilian authorities identify him as a leading figure of the Terceiro Comando Puro (TCP), particularly in the areas known collectively as the Complexo de Israel, in the city’s North Zone.
According to the Rio de Janeiro Public Prosecutor’s Office’s Disque-Denúncia profile, Peixão is wanted in connection with investigations involving drug trafficking, criminal association and active corruption, and is identified as a leader of criminal activities in communities including Cidade Alta, Vigário Geral and Parada de Lucas.
His rise in Rio’s criminal landscape has been linked to the expansion of the TCP in the North Zone. A 2025 report by Folha de S.Paulo described the TCP as controlling several communities in the region and identified Peixão as the person authorities considered responsible for the faction’s activities there.
The area associated with his leadership became known as the Complexo de Israel. Brazilian authorities and researchers have documented the use of religious symbolism and rhetoric by the group in communities under its influence. A 2026 congressional report also described the relationship between the TCP, territorial control and religious practices in the region.
Peixão has remained a fugitive. In March 2025, a senior Rio de Janeiro police official told CNN Brasil that he was one of the state's most wanted suspects and that authorities were pursuing his arrest.
His name also became connected to a major investigation following a shooting on Rio's major roads in October 2024. In May 2025, the Civil Police formally indicted Peixão on suspicion of qualified homicide, armed criminal organization and association with drug trafficking. Investigators alleged that he ordered the attack, which resulted in three deaths and injuries to three other people. These accusations remain allegations and should be distinguished from a criminal conviction.
The investigation later expanded into allegations involving possible terrorism. In 2025, Brazilian authorities investigated whether actions attributed to Peixão could meet the legal definition of terrorism. At that stage, this was an investigation rather than a final judicial determination.
In September 2026, Peixão's name again appeared prominently in police operations in Rio. Folha de S.Paulo reported that police identified him as the person who allegedly ordered an attack involving school buses during an operation against the TCP in the Complexo da Maré. The report also stated that he remained at large.
Authorities have continued operations against the organization associated with him. In August 2026, a joint police operation in the Complexo de Israel located properties that investigators said were connected to Peixão and carried out arrests of people suspected of belonging to the TCP.
The case of Álvaro Malaquias Santa Rosa illustrates the structure of Rio de Janeiro’s criminal factions, in which territorial leaders can exercise substantial influence while remaining outside the reach of law enforcement. However, descriptions of his activities should distinguish between established judicial facts, police investigations and accusations that have not yet resulted in convictions.
As of October 2026, Peixão remains wanted by Brazilian authorities and is identified in official and journalistic sources as one of the principal leaders of the Terceiro Comando Puro. His current legal status is that of a fugitive facing criminal investigations and accusations, rather than a person convicted of every offense attributed to him.
SOURCES
Disque-Denúncia Rio de Janeiro — Profile of Álvaro Malaquias Santa Rosa
Folha de S.Paulo — The TCP and the Complexo de Israel
Folha de S.Paulo — Investigation into Peixão and the October 2024 attack
CNN Brasil — Who is Peixão, a leading TCP figure
Insight Crime — The Terceiro Comando Puro
