Escaping Brazil's Deadliest Gangs

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In the middle of the most violent regional capital in Brazil, a brutal gang war is being fought over control of the drug supply routes of the Northwestern Amazon region. Poverty and coercion force many young men into a life of crime where the only ways to escape are incarceration or death.

But amidst the carnage, there is a glimmer of hope – the “91” is a group of former gang lords turned pastors, who offer salvation to gang members who want to leave the criminal life. Their standing in the gang community, forged out of years of service and hard-fought respect, mean that only they can vouch for criminals looking to trade crime for the path of God.

By recording videos of these gangsters in repentance – that follow a tight script and are then shared with the higher ranks of the gangs for approval – they are saving hundreds of lives that Brazilian institutions overlook. This is the story of the “91”.

Directing and DOP: Mauricio Monteiro Filho and Avener Prado
Soundtrack: Gustavo Monteiro
Editing: Mauricio Monteiro Filho and Diego Arvate
Producers: Charlie Rosser and Matt Shea

Check out the VICE World News playlist for global reporting you won’t find elsewhere: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw613M86o5o4S3BXgi3bCiIVuopQxIMgV

Watch more like this:

The Rise of Brazil’s Biggest Prison Gang
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yI5QLqYcZ0E

The World’s Most Dangerous Drug Wars
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2YfG7NKvoU

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27 thoughts on “Escaping Brazil's Deadliest Gangs”

  8. This is part of the big evangelization at the end of times predicted in the Bible. Happening also in China under a communist and godless government, it's happening in Africa and all around South America. I am European, live in Brazil for 10 years now, was involved in drugs and crime as well and got saved by Jesus, too. There is power in the name of Jesus. Most Europeans or Americans live in a bubble too safe to understand it. I am glad I stepped out and found a new purpose.

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  9. so simple. no government red tape and divide and rule tactics, no billionaire or company influencing policy, no power play.

    just community members policing the community. as it should be. if this were widespread the entire country would be elevated so so much….. such a simple concept is working but these and other countries are called third world

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  16. I wonder if these men, who were on the brink of death due to hits on their heads, actually stay with the church and let God enter their life and don't go back to their life of crime. And how often do the gang bosses know this is all BS and get retaliation against them knowing they haven't changed. We need a part two of this, a "where are they now" segment.

    Reply

  18. the only way to escape a gang is to refuse entering it when you are a kid and if they succeed to kill you for refusing then you became a karma billionnaire for your next life.

    stop cowering, losers.

    Reply

  20. As an LGBT Brazilian American who grew up in an evangelical household, I have mixed feelings. I know evangelism and faith affiliation does have a role in improving the lives of many. However, unfortunately it comes at a price of being Uber religious and homophobic… I still consider myself a Christian, but had to back away from some of the ideologies

    Reply

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