A PCSC (Civil Police of Santa Catarina) investigates a criminal scheme in which rehabilitation clinic owners are suspected of irregularly admitting patients. In some cases, the suspects posed as police officers to drive patients to clinics. One man was arrested this Tuesday (2), and two are on the run.
A investigation began in Octoberfollowing reports of patients who were forcibly hospitalized and suffering mistreatment, in one of the clinics, in Imbituba (SC). Patients were approached by individuals dressed in black who, in some cases, identified themselves as police officers. Then, through threats, use of physical force and administration of medication, the patients were taken to the clinics of those being investigated.
On site, the patients were sedated and suffered physical aggression and restraint as methods of disciplinary correction. Furthermore, the food provided was not sufficient in quantity and nutritional quality.
A report prepared by the Imbituba health surveillance team pointed to a lack of food, hygiene conditions, control over medicines applied and a lack of records on patients found at the site.
In addition to Imbituba, the scheme involved clinics in Itapema, Garopaba and Itapoá, according to PCSC.
Therefore, the investigation showed that, when there was any type of complaint about the clinics, patients were removed to another unit belonging to the same criminal group. The amounts paid by the relatives of those interned reached R$3,000 per month. The police also reported that the “removals” of patients cost around R$5,000.
Os investigated boasted a life of luxury, with imported cars and a high standard of living. Two of the suspects face criminal charges for kidnapping due to the “removals”, and were on provisional release under the condition of not carrying out services of this type.
This Tuesday (2), five search and seizure warrants were executed in Garopaba, Itapema and Balneário Camboriú, in Santa Catarina; and in Porto Alegre, in Rio Grande do Sul. The blocking of valuables, luxury vehicles and properties worth a total of more than R$1 million from those involved was also ordered.
The owner of one of the clinics involved was arrested in Porto Alegre. Two others under investigation are on the run.
