GPS navigation errors direct people into Rio favelas, resulting in deaths
GPS navigation applications have repeatedly directed tourists and residents into gang-controlled favelas in Rio de Janeiro, leading to at least two deaths in late 2024 and early 2025. Gang members, expecting police or rival gang members to enter their territory, have opened fire on vehicles that accidentally entered these areas, confusing drivers with residents.
What happened
GPS navigation applications have repeatedly guided people into favelas (densely populated, gang-controlled neighbourhoods) in Rio de Janeiro, resulting in deaths. In December 2024, an Argentine tourist who had visited the Christ the Redeemer statue followed his GPS into a favela, was shot twice, and died in hospital a month later. Also in December 2024, a Brazilian woman from São Paulo was shot in the neck when her Uber driver took a wrong turn while following GPS directions to a party.
In mid-January 2025, a video of another ride-hailing driver pleading with armed gang members not to shoot him after GPS directed him to the Cidade Alta favela went viral on social media. According to the Instituto Fogo Cruzado, 19 people were hit by gunfire and five were killed after accidentally entering favelas in 2024, a record since the organisation began tracking such incidents in 2016.
Reported impact
At least two people were killed after GPS navigation errors sent them into gang-controlled areas. Gang members stationed at favela entrances, expecting police or rival gang members, shot first and asked questions later, according to Rio's State Security Secretary.
Index analysis
GPS applications are mapping favelas as navigable routes despite their status as gang-controlled zones where accidental entry creates lethal confusion. The systems do not account for the extreme gang activity and territorial control that characterises these neighbourhoods.
Governance controls
About 20 per cent of Rio de Janeiro's territory is controlled by gangs despite police operations. The escalation is linked to intense gang warfare that intensified in 2024 according to Rio's State Security Secretary.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.