Death of ‘Playboy’: Killing of flashy Rio gangster leaves security questions unanswered

Celso Pinheiro Pimenta, 33, was long one of Rio’s most wanted men. Photo: SCMP Picture

Rio de Janeiro officials celebrated the death of “Playboy,” a brutal gang leader famous for thumbing his nose at the authorities - yet his killing left new questions about security in the city unanswered.

The gang boss, whose real name was Celso Pinheiro Pimenta, ruled over a lawless slum, or favela, called Morro da Pedreira, controling a ring dealing in drugs, stolen vehicles and weapons.

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