On the morning of February 9, 2026, Polícia Civil of São Paulo arrested pilot Sérgio Antônio Lopes, aged 60, inside an aircraft owned by The arrest occurred moments before the takeoff of a flight bound for Rio of Janeiro and is part of Operação Apertem or Cintos.
The person being investigated is identified as the leader of a criminal structure dedicated to the sexual exploitation of minors for at least eight years. Ele made payments to victims’ families in exchange for abuse materials and in-person meetings.
The police action identified at least ten victims, including children and teenagers of different ages. Investigations indicate that the scheme may involve cases in other regions of the country.
Circumstances of detention
The agents waited for judicial confirmation to approach the pilot in the cockpit. The approach took place with passengers already on board, but the flight continued normally after replacing the crew.
In addition to the pilot, two women were detained during the operation. A 55-year-old grandmother provided access to three granddaughters and the mother of another victim sent content directly to the suspect.
Eight search and seizure warrants were executed at addresses in the capital of São Paulo and in Guararema. Materiais collected electronic items undergo analysis to identify new parties involved.
Dynamics of investigated crimes
The pilot transferred amounts between R$30 and R$100 via Pix for images and videos of abuse. In specific cases, he offered to pay rent, purchase medicines or household appliances to gain access to minors.
When there was physical contact, the suspect took the victims to motels using false identification documents. One of the minors reported abuse that began when she was 8 years old.
The responsible delegate highlighted that the person being investigated expressed a clear preference for children in negotiations. The network presented a division of functions, with systematic recruitment by family members.
- Frequent financial transfers via apps
- Use of fake identities in accommodation
- Material benefits offered to families
- Habitual production of criminal content
Profile of the investigated
Sérgio Antônio Lopes is married and father of two children. Ele maintains his residence in Guararema, where part of the police searches took place.
During the operation, an Mercedes-Benz recognized by the victims was seized for forensic examination. The vehicle was used to transport minors to meeting places.
Latam Airlines Brasil confirmed the arrest of a crew member and opened an internal investigation. The company reiterated its collaboration with the authorities and highlighted that it repudiates criminal conduct.
Victims and network reach
The identified victims range in age from childhood to adolescence. Algumas report prolonged abuse over the years.
The police are working with the hypothesis of victims in other states due to the suspect’s profile. Dispositivos seized contain a large volume of files that help in expanding investigations.
Specialized teams provide psychological support to families. Confidentiality regarding identities is maintained to protect the minors involved.
Elements seized in the operation
The warrants resulted in the collection of computers, notebooks and smartphones. The equipment stores a history of messages and transactions related to crimes.
False documents found reinforce the practice of entering motels with minors. Forensics must map additional contacts in the sharing network.
Luxury vehicle used for travel underwent technical examination. The characteristics described by the victims coincide with the model seized.
Crimes included in the investigation
The conduct constitutes rape of a vulnerable person and production of child pornography. Também favoring prostitution and criminal organization are found.
The pilot responds as the main financier and organizer of the scheme. The detained women actively collaborated in recruiting and sending materials.
The operation remains ongoing with analysis of digital content. Novos warrants may be requested as the expertise progresses.
Company institutional response
Latam reported that flight LA3900 operated without interruption after the arrest. The replacement crew immediately took command.
The company maintains internal compliance and security protocols. The parallel investigation aims at possible administrative measures.
So far, the pilot’s defense has not commented on the accusations. The space remains available for demonstrations.
Recent investigative advances
The 4th Delegacia from Repressão to Pedofilia concentrates actions against cyber networks. Previous Operações have dismantled similar groups using digital transfers.
The arrest in an airport environment demonstrates planning to prevent escape. The agents acted with discretion to preserve the safety of passengers.
Statements collected indicate a repetitive pattern of approaching families. The police map financial transactions to trace the flow of resources in the scheme.
