Suspects arrested for selling rapid COVID-19 tests in São Paulo.
According to the Civil Police of the state of São Paulo, the arrests took place in the eastern zone of the state capital and allowed for the recovery of 875 kits, each sold for R$ 250.
By Letycia Bond - Reporter for Agência Brasil - São Paulo
The São Paulo Civil Police arrested two suspects on Monday (14) for selling rapid tests for the detection of Covid-19. According to information released today (14) by the corporation, the arrests took place in the east zone of the capital of São Paulo and allowed the recovery of 875 kits, each sold for R$ 250.
The investigation led agents from the 2nd Robbery and Cargo Theft Investigation Unit to Rua Cantagalo, in the Tatuapé neighborhood. The team arrived at the address after discovering that the group was negotiating the sale of stolen tests from Guarulhos International Airport.
The location of a suspect believed to be involved in the scheme helped agents advance the investigation. After being arrested by civil police officers, the man, who was carrying 25 kits During questioning, the suspect revealed that he obtained the material from a residence located on Rua Vitoantonio Del Vecchio, in Mooca. Upon arriving at the location, officers arrested the resident and seized 34 boxes containing rapid tests, as well as R$ 6,8 in cash. Both suspects will face charges of aggravated receiving of stolen goods.
Other arrests
Last Saturday (11), the Civil Police of São Paulo arrested 14 people who allegedly stole covid-19 tests at Guarulhos International Airport. The arrests were made in the Ipiranga neighborhood, in the southern part of the capital.
During the operation, 15 boxes containing 14.500 [items] were found. kits tests and approximately 2,1 million disposable masks, distributed in 435 boxes, were seized. The Department of Strategic Police Operations (Dope), which coordinated the operation, also collected an axe, a knife, a .40 caliber carbine, a 12-gauge shotgun, and three .380 caliber pistols.