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A pilot for LATAM Airlines Brasil was arrested onboard an aircraft at a São Paulo/Guarulhos-Governor André Franco Montoro International Airport (GRU) shortly before departure (according to Brazilian authorities).
The arrest took place as the aircraft was preparing to operate a scheduled domestic flight from São Paulo/Guarulhos-Governor André Franco Montoro International Airport (GRU) to Rio de Janeiro/Galeão-Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (RIO). Video footage circulating online shows police officers walking through the cabin, approaching the cockpit area, and escorting the pilot away in handcuffs in view of passengers.
The pilot, identified as Sérgio Antônio Lopes, 60, was taken into custody as part of an investigation into allegations of involvement in an organized child sexual abuse network. Police say the operation, reportedly named “Fasten Your Seatbelts,” is examining suspected crimes including the sexual exploitation of minors, rape of vulnerable individuals, and the facilitation of prostitution.
Investigators allege that Lopes may have been involved in illegal activity over an extended period and claim that underage victims were taken to motels using falsified documents. Authorities also arrested a 55-year-old woman accused of allegedly grooming and soliciting minors in exchange for payment. Temporary arrest warrants were issued for both suspects. Search and seizure operations were carried out at addresses in São Paulo and Guararema connected to the investigation.
Police described the suspected network as operating with coordinated roles and habitual behavior. This suggests an organized structure behind the alleged crimes. Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests have not been ruled out.
LATAM Airlines Brasil said it condemns any criminal activity and reiterated its commitment to safety and professional conduct. The airline confirmed that the flight involved, LA3900, operated normally and departed on schedule despite the arrest. Lopes was taken for questioning as the investigation continues.
Anthony’s Take: This arrest looks like it’s part of a much larger ring that is abusing children. If found true, these individuals need to be locked away.
(Featured Image Credit: @aviationbrk.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
