A 60-year-old pilot was detained on board a LATAM Airlines flight after allegedly paying families large sums of money to gain access to their children while running a pedophile 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 at Congonhas Airport in São Paulo shortly before his flight on Monday, according to The Mirror.
Authorities said the arrest was deliberately made at the airport because Lopes is a frequent flyer and was difficult to locate at his residence in Guararema, a city in the metropolitan area of São Paulo state.
According to police, Lopes’ new wife, a psychologist, was shocked after learning of his alleged structured network involving the exploitation of children and teenagers. Authorities said her involvement in the racket has been ruled out.
The Mirror report further stated that Lopes is suspected of running an organized network allegedly involved in the sexual abuse and exploitation of children and teenagers, which investigators say has been operating for at least eight years. Police say he used forged IDs to take minors to motels where the abuse took place.
Payments, financial support and documents
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 alleged he also provided financial assistance to families linked to the case, including buying food, medicine and household items, paying rent and in some cases buying appliances.
Police Chief Ivalda Aleixo, head of the Department of State’s Homicide and Protection of Persons (DHPP) told a press conference that the abuse occurred whenever Lopes had physical contact with the victims.
Grandma arrested in same operation
In 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 said she also helped arrange meetings between the minors and Lopes at motels in São Paulo.