Erismar Rodrigues Moreira

Who was Erismar Rodrigues Moreira?

Erismar Rodrigues Moreira, also known as "Bem-Te-Vi", was a gang leader in the Brazilian slum Rocinha, in Rio De Janeiro.

Moreira's family moved to Rocinha looking for work. His father then left Moreira's mother and children, traveling south. Moreira joined his first gang, Comando Vermelho, at age 14. He stayed with Commando Vermelho until early 2004, when he switched allegiances to Amigos dos Amigos, which then quickly took control of Rocinha.

In April 2004 Luciano Barbosa, the Amigos dos Amigos boss, was killed by police, and Moreira took his place, controlling cocaine-packing and selling. He gained the nickname Bem-Te-Vi. Moreira was known for his extravagant lifestyle. He often carried around guns needlessly and had several girlfriends. His band and himself had several gold plated pistols and assault rifles. His large gang had a complete hierarchy of various layers including bodyguards, security guards, contention keepers, soldiers, pushers, and watchguards.