These police-backed militias historically force out the drug traffickers in order to set up their own protection rackets, extorting residents and taxing basic services.
[1] They emerged in the late 2000s, being made up of off-duty police officers with assistance from local businessmen who need protection from armed gangs.
Although the identities of the journalists remain secret (with the exception of photojournalist Nilton Claudinho), two politicians were accused of orchestrating the kidnapping: Coronel Jairo [pt] and his son Dr. Jairinho.
Even in 2008, innumerable civilians have been killed by militias trying to incriminate local drug dealers and trying to enforce the political candidacy of Carminha Jerominho.
Several politicians were summoned to testify before this CPI, being accused of involvement with militia members, including councillors/candidates for councilor Nadinho de Rio das Pedras [pt], Cristiano Girão, Deco and Doen, as well as deputy Marina Maggessi and deputy and former security secretary Marcelo Itagiba.