ON the streets of Brazil, children as young as 11 are pitted against each other in sick fights for cash and entertainment.

Operation Final Fight—drawing its name from the iconic street fighting video game of the 1990s—has uncovered a grim underbelly where gangs entice children into violent, unsanctioned brawls.

Leonardo Soares, the police chief spearheading the probe into this vicious trend overtaking Brazil, reported that these activities have resulted in child fatalities and severe injuries.

Speaking exclusively to The Sun, he said: “This has emerged in several Brazilian states, and the victims have been children and teenagers.

“The fights are so aggressive that they led to the death of a teenager.

“Other teenagers also became paraplegic.”

The investigation began when authorities noticed videos appearing on the internet, coupled with concerns from anxious parents and information provided by anonymous informants, Soares noted.

Victims, primarily aged 11 to 17, were often recruited via social media or by word-of-mouth in their communities, Soares revealed.

He said: “At first, the child was attracted to fighting to gain social status in that community, wanting to be popular.”

But the stakes were far more sinister than bruised egos or playground fame.

Soares confirmed that cops uncovered evidence of bets being placed on the fights.

And in one horrific case, a 13-year-old girl was offered as a “prize”.

“She was being paraded around like a prize in these fights, being treated like a sexual object,” Soares said.

The girl was discovered during a police raid at a suspect’s home in Boa Vista, where authorities confirmed he was in a sexual relationship with her, Globo reported.

Prosecutor José Rocha Neto said: “These are serious crimes.

“Several criminal offences are possible… they could include corruption of minors, bodily harm, torture, rape of a vulnerable person, among others.”

Cops also found that fights had been organised and promoted on social media – where clips amassed more than 135,000 views and a flood of comments and shares.

The fights, held in public squares in Boa Vista, featured teens wearing boxing gloves while spectators placed real-money bets.

Soares confirmed that the organised fights have been uncovered in Roraima, São Paulo, Santa Catarina, Goias, Ceara and the Federal District.

“This crime is running rampant from north to south in the country,” he said.

“It was a social phenomenon… influenced by the internet and also by movies.

“There was that movie Fight Club, which had this influence that young people were trying to copy.”

Chief Inspector Marcos Lázaro told Globo: “Although the investigation was relatively short, the criminals’ extensive use of social media allowed us to gather concrete evidence and serve warrants.

“They operated in a structured manner, using fake profiles to deceive and lure teenagers.”

Two suspects, aged 20 and 31, were arrested during the months-long operation.

Lázaro added: “We still don’t know exactly how much these gangs are making in terms of profit, but we could be talking about thousands of Brazilian Reais.”

Police are now analysing seized cell phones to uncover the full extent of profits and trafficking.

Videos obtained by police show teenage boys exchanging punches on a football pitch in Fortaleza, Ceara, and in public spaces across Brazil.

In one case, two boys in gloves fought until one collapsed to the ground.

Signs also point to potential involvement of Brazil’s most powerful crime factions.

Soares said: “We are beginning to see signs that these organisers have some affiliation with large factions like the PCC or Comando Vermelho.

“Witnesses are receiving threats, with criminals going to the homes of these families if the child says anything.”

The Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho (CV) are two of the most powerful and notorious criminal organisations in Brazil.

Both groups originated in the prison system and have grown into sprawling networks that dominate large parts of the country’s drug trade and organized crime activities.

‘It’s not a sport, it’s abuse’

Following the police operation, Soares said public awareness efforts have been key in curbing the spread in his own state of Roraima in the north.

He said: “Our operation had national repercussions. Some thought it was a sport, but it wasn’t a sport – it was a fight without technique, causing physical and psychological harm to that child or teenager.”

Thanks to the crackdown, Soares said: “These fights ceased without any serious harm to any teenagers or children, as has happened in other states.”

Brazilian NGO Fundação Abrinq, which defends children’s rights and promoting their well-being, told The Sun they are aware of the illegal fight clubs but are not directly involved in the investigation.

A spokesperson told The Sun: “This is an extremely serious situation that causes deep indignation.

“Fundação Abrinq is not directly involved in the case mentioned.

“However, we emphasise that all forms of violence against children and adolescents are crimes under Brazilian law and must be reported through official channels, such as Dial 100 or the nearest police station.”

Dozens of child victims have been identified so far – but that number is expected to grow.

Soares said: “That number could still go up. We will even continue this investigation, perhaps even with a second phase.”

With more evidence still to be uncovered, the scale of the network – and the damage done – may just be coming to light.