A gang leader in Brazil whose failed bid to escape jail disguised as his 19-year-old daughter made international headlines has been found dead in his cell.



Officials found Clauvino da Silva dead on Tuesday, three days after he was placed in isolation in a high security prison when his escape attempt was prevented. Officials said he died of an apparent suicide, Brazil's Globo reported.

Rio de Janeiro's state secretary of prison administration had released photos showing da Silva wearing a silicone mask, a long wig, glasses, jeans, and a pink T-shirt with donuts on it after being caught out.

His escape attempt was thwarted when prison guards saw him acting nervously, the Associated Press reported.

In a video also released by prison administration officials, da Silva takes off the disguise and some of the clothes before saying his real name.