Brazil arrests scores in pedophile raids
October 21, 2017
Brazilian police on Friday arrested more than 100 people in raids targeting pedophile networks across the country.
Involving 1,100 law enforcement agents in 24 states, the operation is considered one of the largest against pedophilia in South America. More than 150,000 files were analyzed for the operation, which began six months ago, according to Brazil's intelligence directorate.
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"This investigation was the result of an international effort, together with the United States and several countries in Europe, such as Spain and the United Kingdom," Brazilian Justice Minister Torquato Jardim told local media.
'Fertile grounds' for criminals
At least 178 search warrants were issued, with authorities saying the number could increase due to the sheer size of the network. Jardim said that police identified individuals as well as criminal groups acting within the network.
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However, the justice minister noted that authorities had yet to obtain further data on the "detainees," including sex or age.
"The complex internet environment and the absence of borders in the virtual world are elements that provide fertile grounds for the actions of these criminals," the Justice Ministry said in a statement.
ls/rc (EFE, dpa)