Last Friday (8) the country was shocked by the cold-blooded murder of a businessman upon disembarking at São Paulo International Airport, in Guarulhos. Antônio Vinicius Lopes Gritzbach He was a former real estate agent and whistleblower for the First Command of the Capital (PCC), and his relations with organized crime have since come to light, amid an investigation that considers the possible burning of files. Understand below the main aspects of the case and what is known so far.
Who was Antônio Vinicius Lopes Gritzbach?
According to the TV GloboGritzbach began his career as a real estate agent in the east zone of São Paulo and, over the years, became involved with the PCC, working on money laundering schemes for the faction. According to the Federal Police, he helped the group generate R$30 million, especially through the purchase and sale of properties and gas stations. In 2021, he was appointed as sender of the murder of Anselmo Bicheliknown as Cara Preta, leader of the faction. The crime would have occurred after a dispute involving an investment in cryptocurrencies.
How the execution took place
Gritzbach’s murder occurred around 4pm on Friday (8), in Terminal 2 of the airport, when he was approached by two hooded men. According to the incident report, at least 29 shots of various calibers, of which 10 hit Gritzbachincluding on the face, chest and back. An app driver who was at the scene was also shot and died the next day, while two other people were injured in the shooting.
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Millionaire jewelry suitcase
At the time of his execution, the businessman carried in his luggage with certificates from luxury jewelers such as Bulgari and Cartier. Among the items were rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings. The Civil Police are investigating whether the jewels are related to the murder or whether they were part of the payment of a debt that he had gone to collect in Maceió, where he was returning with his girlfriend.
In addition to the jewelry, other valuables were seized, such as a Rolex watch, an Apple cell phone and a notebook, as well as R$620 in cash.
Denunciation and threats
In recent months, Gritzbach signed a plea bargain agreement with the São Paulo Public Ministry, in which he provided detailed information about PCC internal schemes and police corruption. During the testimonies, obtained by TV Globohe mentioned that he was kidnapped and threatened with death by members of the faction. In December 2023, shortly after his first meeting with the MP, he suffered a shooting attack in the apartment where he was staying.
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Even with the threats, Gritzbach refused support from the Witness Protection Program, preferring a police escort, which, according to prosecutor Lincoln Gakiya, was not viable due to a lack of legal provision. According to Gakiya, “he was a living archive, someone who was involved in organized crime.”
Suspicions of police corruption
Eight days before he was killed, Gritzbach reported to the Civil Police Internal Affairs that he had been robbed by civil police officers. He reported that, during his first arrest, investigators took a collection of luxury watches from his home, which were later returned with five pieces missing. He recognized one of these watches in photos on social media of one of the police officers, which were deleted after the complaint.
The statement about this complaint was included in his plea agreement, and the case is being investigated by the Civil Police Internal Affairs.
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Lines of investigation
The main hypothesis investigated by the police is that the murder was a file burning to prevent him from revealing more information about the PCC and corruption schemes involving police officers. Lincoln Gakiya, from the Public Ministry, stated that all lines of investigation are being considered and that the MP will monitor the case closely.
(With TV Globo and G1)
