A Brazilian fugitive with an Interpol red notice faces multiple charges after reportedly holding his wife hostage and then trying to flee from police in North Carolina.
Homeland Security Investigations agents, with help from local police, arrested Felipe Linares De Oliveira Dell Aquilla after he led them on a pursuit that ended in a crash earlier this month.
Aquilla, also known as “Don,” has alleged foreign terrorist ties. The international fugitive will likely be booted out of the country first to face charges in his native Brazil.
FOREIGN TERRORIST ARRESTED.@HSI_HQ alongside law enforcement partners in North Carolina arrested Felipe Linares De Oliveira Dell Aquilla, a criminal illegal alien from Brazil.
Aquilla previously served as the commander of Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho… pic.twitter.com/T48ajIySPJ
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) June 15, 2026
He has an international warrant for criminal association and extortion, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He previously served as the commander of Primeiro Comando da Capital and Comando Vermelho, which are designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
DHS shared news of his capture on social media, adding, “Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Mullin, we are unwavering in our commitment to get heinous criminals like this terrorist OUT of our communities.”
Local outlet Iredell Firewire reported Aquilla, 40, of Cape Coral, Fla., now faces a slew of local and state charges, including fleeing to elude arrest, reckless driving, failure to stop for siren, no operator license, and other traffic violations.
A search of Aquilla’s vehicle resulted in the seizure of numerous cell phones, laptops, money, and a 9mm handgun.
An immigration detainer was also lodged against him in jail, and he is expected to be extradited back to Brazil. Aquilla illegally entered the country at an unknown date and location, DHS said.
HSI Greensboro and HSI Charlotte worked with the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office and the Mooresville Police Department to track him down.
Investigators had information that he was holding his wife against her will as he planned to flee to Mexico.
During an interview, Aquilla’s wife confirmed that she had been held against her will. HSI is also pursuing charges of alien in possession of a firearm and kidnapping, DHS said.
“This arrest demonstrates the unwavering commitment of HSI to protect our communities from dangerous international criminals,” said Mark M. Zito, Special Agent in Charge of HSI in North and South Carolina. “By removing a known leader of violent foreign terrorist organizations—wanted for serious crimes including criminal association and extortion—we have prevented further harm to innocent people here and abroad.”
Aquilla is accused of leading federal and local law enforcement on a chase that ended with a crash into stopped traffic, WCNC News reported. He was arrested June 5 in Mooresville, North Carolina.
The multiagency effort involved HSI agents, Iredell County Sheriff’s deputies and Mooresville Police Department officers assigned to the HSI Task Force. They helped detain Aquilla following a brief pursuit in Mooresville.
“Our agents, working alongside dedicated state and local law enforcement partners, acted swiftly and decisively to ensure this individual will no longer threaten the safety of our neighborhoods,” Zito said.
According to Iredell Firewire, authorities were surveilling the area and confirmed the suspect was staying at a residence off Highway 150. Members of the Homeland Security task force and the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office gathered in the area for a possible apprehension.
The chaotic scene unfolded after Aquilla reportedly got into a Range Rover and took off from the residence. An Iredell County Sheriff’s deputy attempted a traffic stop on Aguilla’s vehicle, but he refused to stop and instead fled from law enforcement, police said.
His vehicle reportedly left the roadway and he crashed into stopped traffic. Aquilla then exited his vehicle and fled on foot but was arrested by police shortly after.
The Interpol warrant is from Brazil, South America. An Interpol Red Notice is an international request that alerts law enforcement agencies worldwide that a person is wanted by another country and may be subject to arrest pending extradition proceedings.
