SUMMARY
The rivalry between Bonde dos 40 and PCM started in 2007 after a series of bloody riots in the Pedrinhas Penal Complex, located in the city of São Luís, state of Maranhão.
In an ill-equipped and inhumane prison system, constant quarrels between these two gangs were the norm as they fought for influence and control of the prison unit. Such disputes catalyzed the violence between inmates, which sought to defend themselves by organizing into what later became two of the most prominent gangs in the state. Prisoners from the capital, São Luís, founded Bonde dos 40, while their adversaries from the state’s countryside created its main rival, PCM. It is worth noting that both groups were considerably influenced and inspired by Comando Vermelho and PCC’s organizational structures.
Once established, the conflict between the two gangs extended beyond the penal system, soaring homicide rates in São Luís as they fought for control over drug markets and new territories. The state of Maranhão saw Bonde dos 40 and PCM behind the rising numbers in homicides until the breakup between Comando Vermelho and PCC, in 2016.
Following the rupture, both groups formed alliances with local criminal organizations across the country, which resulted in bloodshed in Brazil, particularly in the North and Northeastern regions. Bonde dos 40 then started to gradually align itself with PCC, later forming an alliance with the group. Meanwhile, PCM was severely weakened after internal disputes, repeated attacks from rivals, and arrests carried out by the police damaged its structure. As a result, in late 2016, the group was dissolved, with its members either seeking refuge under Comando Vermelho’s ranks or joining other gangs.
However, in 2021, internal disputes led former PCM members to abandon Comando Vermelho and join the then-weakened Comando Organizado do Maranhão (COM). This movement culminated in the strengthening of the group, which later adopted the name PCM and restored former disputes for control of drug markets with Bonde dos 40.
The non-state conflict between Bonde dos 40 and PCM was first included in UCDP data in 2021 when violent clashes flared up in the state, resulting in over 25 deaths.
