A pilot from Latam, identified as Sérgio Antônio Lopes, aged 60, was detained by Polícia Civil on the morning of Monday, February 9, 2026, inside the cabin of an aircraft at Aeroporto of The arrest occurred moments before the takeoff of flight LA3900 bound for Aeroporto Santos Dumont, at Rio of Janeiro, during an operation investigating serious crimes against children and adolescents.
The police action, called Apertem or Cintos, is conducted by the 4th Delegacia from Repressão to Pedofilia from Investigators are investigating the pilot’s participation in an organized structure of child sexual exploitation with evidence of habituality and coordination between those involved for at least eight years.
The approach took place while the pilot was already in the cockpit preparing the aircraft. Policiais civilians entered the plane and carried out the arrest without interfering in the operation of the flight, which took off at the scheduled time with another commander.
Details of arrest and execution of warrants
The operation resulted in the temporary arrest of Sérgio Antônio Lopes directly at the airport. Ele was taken to DHPP headquarters, where he remains at the disposal of the justice system for interrogation and investigative procedures.
At the same time, a 55-year-old woman was arrested at another address on Grande São Paulo. Ela is accused of enticing minors to meet the pilot in exchange for financial sums.
The arrests were authorized by Justiça based on elements collected during months of investigation. The warrants also include the execution of eight searches and seizures of properties linked to those being investigated.
Crimes uncovered in the investigation
Polícia Civil investigates a series of serious crimes related to the sexual exploitation of vulnerable people. The evidence indicates a clear division of roles between the participants in the scheme.
Among the crimes under investigation are:
- Rape of vulnerable
- Favoring prostitution of minors
- Sexual exploitation of children and adolescents
- Production and dissemination of child pornography
Investigators identified that the pilot used false documents to take minors to motels in the capital of São Paulo. Três specific victims, aged between 10 and 14, were mentioned in the records as granddaughters of the arrested woman.
The criminal structure presents organizational characteristics, with continuous and coordinated action. Materiais seized in the searches, such as computers and cell phones, will undergo technical expertise.
Searches carried out at addresses linked to the suspects
The police teams operated simultaneously at points in the capital and in Região Metropolitana and São Paulo. One of the main targets was the pilot’s residence in the city of Guararema.
Electronic devices, documents and other items that may contain digital evidence were collected at these locations. Expert analysis should contribute to mapping the extent of the network investigated.
Four other suspects are the target of search warrants. Eles reside in different neighborhoods of São Paulo and also in Guararema.
The operation mobilized several DHPP teams specializing in cybercrime and child protection. Todo the collected material is sent for detailed examination in a forensic laboratory.
Response from the airline involved
Latam Airlines Brasil issued an official statement about the case shortly after the arrest. The company confirmed that the detained crew member was immediately removed from his duties.
The company opened an internal administrative process to investigate the facts. Ela made himself available to the police authorities to collaborate in the investigations.
In the text of the note, Latam reinforced its repudiation of any criminal conduct. The company highlighted that it maintains strict safety and ethical standards in its operations.
The flight originally commanded by the arrested pilot operated normally. The captain’s replacement did not cause delays or cancellations on the route between Congonhas and Santos Dumont.
Context of the police station specializing in pedophilia
The 4th Delegacia from Repressão to Pedofilia works specifically in cases of sexual crimes against minors in São Paulo. Ela is part of the DHPP and has teams trained for complex investigations involving organized networks.
This unit has already conducted several similar operations in recent years. The cases often involve the use of technology for grooming and dissemination of illicit material.
The police station works in partnership with other police forces and child protection agencies. The ongoing focus is to identify victims and interrupt prolonged cycles of exploitation.
Recent numbers of sexual crimes against minors in Brasil
Official records indicate a significant increase in reports of child sexual exploitation in recent years. Dados of specialized channels indicate that more than 60% of complaints received on the internet involve this type of crime.
Between January and April 2025, hundreds of fugitives for sexual crimes against children were located and arrested in national operations. The growth in complaints reached 195% compared to previous periods.
Monitoring organizations recorded that 64% of reports processed in 2025 directly deal with sexual abuse and exploitation of minors. Esses numbers reflect greater awareness and more accessible reporting channels.
Studies indicate that sexual violence affects considerable portions of the child and youth population. Pesquisas recent studies indicate high prevalence both in family environments and in organized networks.
Authorities reinforce the importance of anonymous reports to stop schemes like the one being investigated. Canais like Disque 100 receive daily reports and forward them for immediate investigation.
Advances in operation and next steps
Polícia Civil continues to analyze the material seized in the searches carried out this Monday. Novos elements may emerge from the examination of the electronic devices collected.
Other people identified during the investigation remain under monitoring. The operation could result in new arrests as the evidence is consolidated.
Justiça should evaluate the conversion of temporary prisons into preventive prisons in the coming days. Ministério Público follows the investigation for possible formal denunciation.
Cases like this highlight the integrated action between specialized police stations and Justiça. The central objective remains the protection of victims and the complete dismantling of criminal networks.
