Police in 'Money Heist' Masks Arrest Phone Thieves at Rio Carnival

Authorities used creative tactics to catch criminals during Brazil's biggest annual celebration.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Police officers in Rio de Janeiro dressed up as the robbers from the popular Netflix series 'Money Heist' and as the horror movie character Jason Voorhees to catch phone thieves during the city's famous Carnival celebration.

Why it matters

The Rio Carnival is one of the world's largest and most famous annual festivals, attracting millions of revelers. Pickpocketing and other crimes are common during the event, so police use innovative tactics to try to deter and apprehend criminals.

The details

The undercover officers blended in with the costumed crowds at Carnival, allowing them to catch suspects in the act of stealing phones and other valuables from unsuspecting partygoers. The tactic was effective, leading to multiple arrests over the course of the celebration.

  • The incidents occurred during the 2026 Rio Carnival, which took place from February 14-18.

The players

Rio de Janeiro Police

The local law enforcement agency responsible for providing security and public safety during the Rio Carnival celebration.

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What they’re saying

“Our creative tactics allowed us to blend in with the crowds and catch these thieves red-handed.”

— Sergeant Marcos Silva, Rio de Janeiro Police (Globo)

What’s next

Police plan to continue using innovative undercover tactics to deter crime during the 2027 Rio Carnival celebration.

The takeaway

The Rio Carnival is a beloved annual tradition, but also presents security challenges due to the massive crowds. The police's creative approach to catching thieves demonstrates their commitment to keeping revelers safe during the festivities.