A Brazilian gang leader who tried to escape prison dressed as his daughter has been found dead in his cell.

Rio de Janeiro prisons authorities said Clauvino da Silva took his own life.

An investigation has been opened.

Da Silva was a leader of one of the most powerful criminal groups in Brazil.

He was caught over the weekend as he tried to head out of a jail in western Rio wearing a silicon mask, a long dark-haired wig, tight jeans and a pink t-shirt.

Da Silva's nervousness caught the attention of security guards as he attempted to leave the prison. ( AP: Rio de Janeiro Penitentiary Administration Secretariat )

He was trying to pass as his 19-year-old daughter, who was visiting him that day.

Officials said he managed to reach the prison's exit doors but his nervousness caught the attention of security guards.

The jailed drug trafficker donned the attire of his 19-year-old Brazilian teenage daughter in his foiled escape. ( AP: Rio de Janeiro Penitentiary Administration Secretariat )

AP