State dismantles criminal organization specialized in cell phone thefts at Mangueirão game
Security agents acted during the match between Paysandu and CRB, catching 12 members of the criminal group in the act, which also operated at shows and other events
The "Magneto's Hands" Operation, coordinated by the State Secretariat for Public Security and Social Defense (Segup), with the involvement of the Civil and Military Police, and support from the State Secretariat for Sports and Leisure (Seel), resulted this Sunday (27) in the arrest in the act of 12 members of a criminal group, investigated for thefts, especially of cell phones, at large events such as concerts and football games.
The arrest occurred at the entrance to the Estádio Olímpico do Pará Jornalista Edgar Proença, the Mangueirão, during the match between Paysandu and CRB, for the Brazilian Championship Series B.
According to the State Secretary for Public Security and Social Defense, Ualame Machado, the criminal group had been under investigation for three months, after Seel received requests for access to security camera footage from victims of cell phone thefts.
"We collected images from the security cameras installed at the Stadium, identified the pattern of operation that the criminal group had been using at large events to commit thefts, and thus began a meticulous work to then trigger an operation. Fortunately, the action was very successful, with the arrest in the act of 12 members of this group, who during today's football match were at the entrances to the Stadium committing thefts of cell phones, wallets, and jewelry. Now, the investigative work continues to identify and locate other people who may be involved in this practice," informed the head of Segup.
Identification - According to investigations conducted by the intelligence agencies of the Public Security System, the criminal group, known as the "club of thieves", steals cell phones, wallets, and other items in lines and crowded areas at large events. During the investigative work, the suspects were identified through images from the security cameras installed at the entrances and inside the Mangueirão, contributing to the intelligence and operational work of the public security forces.
Among those arrested are two women and 10 men, who were taken to the Delegacia de Proteção ao Torcedor e de Grandes Eventos (DPTGE), located at the Mangueirão, where all necessary procedures were carried out. Eight cell phones were seized from them - one already returned to the victim - after an announcement on the public address system of the Estádio Olímpico.
Follow-up - Regarding the results of the "Magneto's Hands" Operation, the director of the Delegacia de Proteção ao Torcedor e de Grandes Eventos (DPTGE), delegate Marcos André, said that "we received information that this criminal group operates in football stadiums and at large events happening in Belém and other units of the Federation. With this information, and in joint work with the intelligence of Segup and the intelligence of the Military Police, our Delegacia began a data analysis and systematic monitoring of these criminals, and we were able to identify the movement of the suspects at the Mangueirão Stadium using the security camera system, and we also mobilized police teams that acted covertly and infiltrated among the fans and other attendees of the event."
The delegate also informed that "this fieldwork was essential for us to document and prove the criminal activity of the group. We arrested 12 people, who were presented at the police unit and charged in the act for the crimes of qualified theft and criminal association. The success of the 'Magneto's Hands' Operation demonstrates the effectiveness of the integrated intelligence work and the field action of our police officers, reaffirming the commitment of the DPTGE and security agencies to protect the population and ensure tranquility at large events."
The arrested individuals will be charged with qualified theft and criminal association, and after all procedures, they will be sent to the penitentiary system, where they will remain at the disposal of Justice.
Segup emphasizes that victims of thefts and other crimes can seek the nearest Civil Police Station to report the incident, or through the Virtual Delegacy (delegaciavirtual.pa.gov.br). Any information that assists the investigative work of the security forces can be reported via Disque Denúncia, through 181, or by WhatsApp (91) 98115-9181, with the Iara application. Confidentiality and anonymity are guaranteed.
