Gang leader poses as daughter in Mrs Doubtfire-style mask in prison escape bid

A gang leader posed as his 19-year-old daughter as he donned a Mrs Doubtfire-style mask in a daring prison break.

Brazilian criminal Clauvino da Silva, known as 'Shorty', tried to break out of Gericino prison while wearing a mask and women's clothing.

Da Silva's 19-year-old daughter, who was reportedly in on the ruse, had visited her dad behind bars and she intended to stay in his cell to give the lag tie to complete his escape. He was caught wearing a silicone mask, a long dark-haired wig, glasses, jeans and a pink T-shirt with printed cartoon doughnuts.

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It evoked memories of iconic movie Mrs Doubtfire, where Robin Williams' character disguised himself as an elderly housekeeper in a desperate bid to interact with his children.

Da Silva's ruse, carried out in 2019, was rumbled as his nervousness saw him caught in the act.

Rio's State Secretary of Prison Administration released images of the criminal wearing his disguise along with a clip showing da Silva removing his clothes and saying his full name.

Prison officials said he would be transferred to a maximum security jail and face disciplinary sanctions, but he was found dead in his cell just three days after his foiled escape attempt. Prison chiefs said it appeared he had hanged himself.

Guards found him in his cell in Bangu 1 prison in Rio de Janeiro state, where he had been transferred ever since his elaborate unsuccessful escape attempt. He had reportedly been held in solitary confinement since his transfer.

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Da Silva had been part of the leadership of the Red Command, on of the most powerful criminal groups in Brazil that controlled a large portion of Rio de Janeiro's drug trade.

He had been in prison since 2013 after being handed a huge sentence worth 73 years and 10 months.

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