On Camera: 60-Year-Old Pilot Arrested On Plane In Brazil For 'Paying Families To Sell Him Children'

(MENAFN- Live Mint) A 60-year-old pilot was apprehended on board a LATAM Airlines plane after he allegedly paid families large sums of money to gain access to their children while operating a paedophile ring. Sergio Antonio Lopes – a married father of two who had just returned from his honeymoon with his new wife – was taken away in handcuffs shortly before take-off on Monday at Congonhas Airport in São Paulo, according to The Mirror.

Authorities said the arrest was deliberately carried out at the airport as Lopes is a frequent flyer and was difficult to locate at his residence in Guararema, a town in the metropolitan region of São Paulo state.

According to police, Lopes's new wife, a psychologist, was left shocked after learning about his alleged structured network involving the exploitation of children and adolescents. Authorities said her involvement in the racket has been ruled out.

The Mirror report further stated that Lopes is suspected of leading an organised network allegedly involved in the sexual abuse and exploitation of children and adolescents, which investigators believe had been operating for at least eight years. Police allege that he used forged identity documents to take minors to motels, where the abuse took place.

Payments, financial support and evidence

Officials further alleged that Lopes paid for images and videos of victims, with payments typically ranging from BRL 30 (£4) to BRL 100 (£14). Police claimed that he also provided financial assistance to families linked to the case, including purchasing food, medication, and household items, paying rent, and, in some instances, buying appliances.

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Speaking at a press conference, police chief Ivalda Aleixo, head of the State Department of Homicides and Protection of Persons (DHPP), said that abuse occurred whenever Lopes had physical contact with the victims.

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As part of the same operation, a 55-year-old grandmother, Denise Moreno, was arrested on suspicion of“selling” her three granddaughters, aged 10, 12 and 14, to the pilot in exchange for money. Police alleged that she also helped arrange meetings between the minors and Lopes at motels in São Paulo.

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