Away Days Podcast: Inside Rio’s Gang Controlled Favelas

Episode: Inside Rio’s Gang Controlled Favelas
Host: Jake Hanrahan
Release Date: June 23, 2025

Introduction

In the "Inside Rio’s Gang Controlled Favelas" episode of the Away Days Podcast, journalist Jake Hanrahan delves deep into the heart of Rio de Janeiro’s most notorious favelas, uncovering the intricate dynamics of gang-controlled communities. This detailed exploration offers listeners a raw and unfiltered look into the lives of those living amidst violence, poverty, and resilience.

Entering Falat Fogotero

The episode begins with Jake’s arrival at the base of Falat Fogotero, a sprawling favela dominated by Brazil's oldest and most powerful gang, RedCommand (Comando Volemo CV). Despite the area being a no-go zone for outsiders, Jake gains access through months of negotiation facilitated by a local friend and a photographer familiar with the favelas.

[02:30] Jake Hanrahan: "This is the favela. Carlos arrives on the back of another motorbike and guides us through a series of narrow alleyways...".

Navigating the treacherous, winding roads on a motorbike, Jake highlights the precarious infrastructure, emphasizing the residents' self-sufficiency in maintaining illegal power lines and the DIY nature of the housing.

The Dominance of Comando Volemo (CV)

Upon reaching the plateau of Falat Fogotero, Jake meets Chico, a 20-year-old gang member who serves as both a protector and enforcer within the community.

[13:20] Chico: "We're here to protect each other. We stop residents getting scammed by the government...".

Chico elaborates on CV’s role, portraying them as a de facto government that safeguards the community from external threats, particularly corrupt police forces. This self-governance is juxtaposed with the absence of genuine governmental support, leaving gangs like CV to fill the void.

Personal Stories: The Human Side of Gang Life

Jake engages in a heartfelt conversation with FT Simple, a seasoned CV member burdened by lost dreams. FT shares his aspiration to become a musician, a path derailed by personal tragedy and forced into the gang life.

[14:37] FT Simple: "I'd be a musician. I tried. I left crime for a while to apply myself. I didn't get far...".

This personal narrative underscores the profound impact of systemic neglect and violence on individual lives, highlighting the limited opportunities that funnel youth into gang affiliations.

Historical Context of CV

To understand CV’s entrenchment, Jake provides a comprehensive history of the gang's origins during Brazil's military dictatorship (1964-1985). The intertwining of rebel fighters and street criminals within prisons like Candido Mendez Penal colony fostered a formidable alliance that birthed CV.

[15:20] Jake Hanrahan: "Brazil's military junta ruled from 1964 to 1985... CV spread like wildfire, becoming a major player in the drug trade...".

By the end of the dictatorship, CV had secured dominance over 70% of Rio’s drug market, establishing itself as a critical power broker within the favelas.

Current Gang Conflicts and Territory

Jake explores the volatile landscape of Rio’s gang territories, detailing the ongoing conflicts between CV and rival gangs such as First Capital Commander (PCC), Pure Third Command (TCP), and Amigos dos Amigos (ADA).

[24:00] Jake Hanrahan: "Rio de Janeiro is gripped by a violent struggle between many different gangs...".

The breakdown of a recent truce between CV and PCC exemplifies the precarious nature of gang alliances, further escalating violence and instability within the city.

Impact on the Community and Children

Amidst the chaos, Jake observes the resilience and innocence of children living in Falat Fogotero. Despite the omnipresent violence, young residents continue to play and enjoy moments of normalcy, a stark contrast to their harsh realities.

[25:50] Jake Hanrahan: "There's something beautiful about the innocence of the children growing up amidst the chaos of Falat Fogotero...".

However, the episode does not shy away from the grim truths: children face malnutrition, poor sanitation, limited education, and are often coerced into gang activities as a means of survival.

The Duality of Gang Governance

Jake examines the paradoxical role of gangs like CV, who, while perpetuating violence and illegal activities, also provide essential services and a semblance of order within the favelas. This duality complicates the narrative, showcasing gangs as both oppressors and protectors in a government-absent landscape.

[26:00] Jake Hanrahan: "Controlling your turf is everything. Dozens and dozens of these young gang members are killed every month trying to maintain their monopoly...".

The episode concludes by reflecting on the broader implications of gang dominance, the lost potential of individuals like FT Simple, and the enduring hope embodied by community projects like Boa Safra Team Gym, which aims to offer positive outlets for the youth.

Conclusion and Looking Forward

Jake wraps up the episode by emphasizing the multifaceted reality of Rio’s favelas under gang control. He teases the next episode, which will explore the Boa Safra Team Gym, a beacon of hope within the turmoil.

[35:00] Jake Hanrahan: "Next week we'll hear about Boa Safra Team Gym, a place worth its weight in gold...".

Listeners are encouraged to watch the full documentary on YouTube at youtube.com/@awaydaystv for an immersive experience.

Notable Quotes

• Chico, CV Member [13:20]: "We're here to protect each other. We stop residents getting scammed by the government...".

• FT Simple [14:37]: "I'd be a musician. I tried. I left crime for a while to apply myself. I didn't get far...".

• Jake Hanrahan [15:20]: "Brazil's military junta ruled from 1964 to 1985... CV spread like wildfire, becoming a major player in the drug trade...".

• Jake Hanrahan [25:50]: "There's something beautiful about the innocence of the children growing up amidst the chaos of Falat Fogotero...".

Production Credits

• Produced by: H11 Studio and Call Zone Media
• Research and Writing: Jake Hanrahan
• Co-Producer: Sophie Lichterman
• Music: Sam Black
• Sound Mix: Diamondstein Sound
• Photography: Johnny Pickup and Louis Hollis
• Graphic Design: Laura Adamson and Casey Highfield

For more in-depth coverage and upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Away Days Podcast on YouTube.