Overview
- Sergio Antonio Lopes, 60, was detained in handcuffs aboard a LATAM flight at São Paulo’s Congonhas Airport moments before take-off.
- Operation “Fasten Your Seatbelts” also detained a 55-year-old grandmother, Denise Moreno, and a mother on suspicion of facilitating abuse and child sexual abuse material offences.
- Investigators say at least 10 victims have been identified in São Paulo, with evidence from the suspect’s phone indicating possible cases in other states.
- Police allege the scheme used false identity documents, motel meetings, and small cash or material payments to families to access minors and obtain images and videos.
- Authorities executed eight search-and-seizure warrants in São Paulo and Guararema, and LATAM says it is cooperating and the scheduled flight operated as planned.