During the research phase of this project it became apparent that there were vigilante content creators who were themselves committing crimes including unlawfully spraying people with a red dye known as farbgel on Westminster Bridge.
We raised concerns with senior management at Charing Cross police station regarding these matters and also in relation towhat are commonly known as "auditors" who had also been causing problems on Westminster Bridge, elsewhere in Central London with businesses, the public and the police.
Several months ago we received an email from Police Sergeant Sue Thompson from Charing Cross Police Station following those concerns being raised with
Superintendent Natasha Evans.
Sergeant Sue Thompson said:
"The behaviour described, including approaching individuals and spraying them with paint, is not lawful and cannot be justified, irrespective of any belief that those individuals may be involved in criminal activity. The Metropolitan Police Service does not support or condone vigilante behaviour, and such actions have the potential to escalate risk, undermine public confidence, and negatively impact community safety."
"I can confirm that I have met with Galdino this evening and discussed the behaviours you have highlighted. During that meeting, his conduct was addressed directly, and he was instructed to stop using red dye and to cease engaging in behaviour of this nature. It was made clear that such actions are not lawful, are not acceptable, and have the potential to escalate risk and cause harm."
Unfortunately the vigilante ignored the Police Sergeant and continued his campaign.
The level of violence has increased with other content creators travelling to London who joined forces with Mr Galdino.
The group also included Tyler Oliveira who travelled from the United States and two bodyguards from Manchester.
In April 2026 the group were involved in further incidents in Central London including an incident on
Westminster Bridge led by Mr Galdino who had a can of red
Farbgel spray in each hand.
Our volunteers were not present on that day and the vigilante content creators committed further attacks in central London including a serious attack where one of the bodyguards severely beat a female.
These attacks apart from the assualt matters are considered Violent Disorder where there is a maximum sentence of 5 years imprsionment if the suspects are convicted.
Our volunteers will continue to report incidents that take place on Westminster Bridge that come to their attention or witness in the course of their patrol.
Following the incident on tn the Bridge, volunteers attended to provide reassurance and act as a deterrant to any further incidents or disorder taking place on the Bridge.
On 8 May 2026 Mr Galdino was seen on the Bridge and continued to defy the police producing a can of the Red Farbgel Spray . We contacted 999 to have him arrested for the violent disorder incidents which have been widely published on social media by Mr Galdino and Mr Oliveira who had filmed themselves committing crimes.
The police were unable to attend for an hour, so Mr Galdino was let go and the police updated.
If you are a witness or have any further information concerning these or similar incidents, please contact the police on 101 and you can also pass on the information to us so we can keep an eye on what is happening with your information.
The content creators actions are not crime prevention, it is harassment and assault for entertainment where a lot of money can be made.
We don't condone vigilantism, when it goes wrong people get seriously injured or lose their lives.
When incidents such as these take place, one or more of the following crimes have usually been committed.
Please report any such incidents so that the police can keep accurate records and take any necessary action.
One of the content creators Tyler Oliveira came over from the States. At the beginning of the video you will see Mr Oliveira ask questions about the legality of the Red Farbgel spray.
Mr Oliveira in his videos has used disclaimers with regards to the use of the Red Farbgel spray, unfortunately he has got it wrong due to a lack of knowledge of UK law. Importantly in the UK it is well known that Ignorance of the Law is no excuse.
As Mr Oliveira has returned to the States it would be reasonable to expect that the Metropolitan police would circulate Mr Oliveira as wanted on the Police National Computer (PNC)
and be arrested if he returned to the UK to be interviewed regarding the attacks and his conduct in the violent disorder incidents.
Usually this would happen at the airport on a suspect's return to the UK.
The offence of violent disorder carries a sentence of 5 years which makes it an indicatable offence.
The actions of the vigilante content creators have made the situation more difficult for the police and also for ourselves.
Petty criminals are now arming themselves with the spray and could spray plain clothes police officers or our plain clothes volunteers.
What did we do?
We will always do something rather than nothing when it concerns safety of citizens on Westminster Bridge.
We continue to raise any concerns with the relevant authorities including the police and there are signs that the police are taking steps to reduce the offending of the vigilante contect creator.
