Gang Leader Disguised Himself As Teen Daughter In Attempt To Escape Prison, Authorities Say

In a plot worthy of the movies, a Brazilian gang leader was caught trying to escape prison by posing as his teenage daughter—wearing a long black wig, pink T-shirt and silicone face mask in the brazen attempt to fool authorities.

The plan had allegedly been for Clauvino da Silva to leave his 19-year-old daughter, who had been visiting him, behind in the prison while he walked out the penitentiary’s main door in her place, CBS News reports.

However, prison officials noticed his nervousness and stopped Silva, who is also known as “Shorty” before he had reached freedom, according to Fox News.

The Rio de Janeiro Penitentiary Administration Secretariat released images showing the reputed crime boss’ elaborate disguise, that included a long black wig, glasses, tight jeans, pink t-shirt covered with donuts and a silicone mask.

Authorities also released a video showing Silva removing the costume one piece at a time—before his true identity is revealed and he tells officials at the Rio de Janeiro jail his full name.

Clauvino Da Silva Photo: AP

Silva’s 19-year-old daughter and seven other people who recently visited Silva are now being investigated about their possible involvement with the failed escape attempt. Authorities believe some of his visitors may have tried to smuggle in pieces of the disguise before the attempt.

Officials have said that his daughter could be charged with aiding a prison escape if it's determined she helped with the ruse, according to the BBC.  

Silva, who is serving a sentence of 73 years and 10 months, was returned to his cell after he was caught by authorities.

Silva also reportedly tried to break out of prison in 2013 when he was discovered among a group of 31 prisoners who fled the Vincente Piragibe Penal Institute through the jail’s sewer system.

After his latest escape attempt, Silva has been transferred to a maximum-security prison. He is also expected to face disciplinary action.