A Brazilian gang leader who tried to escape prison disguised as his own teenage daughter has been found dead in his cell.
Rio de Janeiro prisons authorities said Clauvino da Silva apparently took his own life and an investigation has been opened.
Da Silva, who was also known as Baixinho or “Shorty”, was caught over the weekend as he tried to head out of a jail in western Rio wearing a female silicon mask, a long dark-haired wig and tight jeans with a pink t-shirt.
Da Silva was part of the leadership of one of the most powerful criminal groups in Brazil. He was trying to pass as his 19-year-old daughter, who was visiting him that day. Police had been looking into her possible role as an accomplice in Saturday’s failed escape attempt from Gerinco prison.
Officials say he managed to reach the prison’s exit doors, but his nervousness caught the attention of security guards.
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