A Brazilian gang leader tried to escape from prison by dressing up as his daughter when she visited him behind bars and walking out of the penitentiary's main door in her place.

Key points: Clauvino da Silva was a leader of the Red Command, a powerful Brazilian criminal group

Clauvino da Silva was a leader of the Red Command, a powerful Brazilian criminal group In a video released by prison authorities, da Silva can be seen removing the mask and some of the clothes

In a video released by prison authorities, da Silva can be seen removing the mask and some of the clothes He has now been transferred to a maximum-security prison after the failed escape bid

But prison officials said the nervousness displayed by Clauvino da Silva, also known as "Shorty", as he tried to leave the prison in the western part of Rio de Janeiro dressed as a woman gave him away.

His plan was apparently to leave his 19-year-old daughter inside the jail.

Police are looking into her possible role as an accomplice in Saturday's (local time) failed escape attempt from Gericino prison.

Gang leader Clauvino da Silva's escape attempt was foiled by prison authorities. ( AP: Rio de Janeiro Penitentiary Administration Secretariat )

Rio's State Secretary of Prison Administration released photos showing da Silva in a silicon girl's mask and long dark-haired wig, wearing tight jeans and a pink shirt with a cartoon image of donuts.

They also released a video in which da Silva can be seen removing the mask and some of the clothes, and saying his full name.

Clauvino da Silva has been moved to a maximum-security prison after the failed escape attempt. ( AP: Rio de Janeiro Penitentiary Administration Secretariat )

Authorities say da Silva was part of the leadership of the Red Command, one of the most powerful criminal groups in Brazil that controlled drug trafficking in a large part of Rio.

After the failed escape bid, da Silva was transferred to a unit of a maximum-security prison and will face disciplinary sanctions, officials said.

Brazilian prison authorities released images of the man's wig, mask and clothing. ( AP: Rio de Janeiro Penitentiary Administration Secretariat )

AP