The São Paulo Civil Police arrested three suspects being investigated for participation in a home robbery in Vila Maria, north of the capital, where an elderly couple was the victim. During the criminal action, in addition to the attacks and threats, the woman was the target of sexual violencea circumstance that led the investigation to determine the case as attempted rape.
The crime took place on the night of May 9th. The operation to execute the warrants took place between us this Tuesday (26) and this Thursday (28). Images from security cameras analyzed by investigators recorded the movement of suspects in the vicinity of the property before the invasion. Look:
The recordings also show the moment when the criminals leave the scene using the victims’ vehicle about an hour later. Watch:
Understand the case
According to the investigation, at least three armed men entered the residence around 11:30 pm. A fourth member remained outside the property, .
Inside the house, the criminals captured the couple, they tied up the victims and started demanding bank passwordscards and other financial information. Under threat of a firearm, the elderly people remained under the control of the robbers while various goods were stolen.
They were taken cash, cell phones, computer, television, bags, watches, personal documentsbank cards, ongoing medication and the family vehicle.
After the crime, the victims looked for a bank branch to check possible financial transactions. According to information provided by the bank, .
There was, however, an attempt to transaction worth R$8.00a practice frequently used by criminals to test card validity before making purchases or transfers of greater value.
Initially, the case was registered with elements that indicated sexual violence. As investigations progressed and new statements were collected, the Civil Police began working with a most serious hypothesis.
Delegate Raquel Gallinati, head of the 19th DP (Vila Maria) and responsible for the investigation, states that the conduct carried out by one of the criminals goes beyond the scope of sexual harassment.
“The conduct narrated goes far beyond the limits of sexual harassment. One of the perpetrators violently carried the victim, took her to an isolated room in the residence, locked the door and began to perform lewd acts, groping her buttocks. This behavior reveals a clear criminal progression towards the practice of more serious sexual violence”, stated the delegate.
According to Gallinati, investigations point to an attempted rape interrupted during the criminal action. “For this reason, the investigation works with the hypothesis of attempted rape, and not mere sexual harassment”, he adds.
In addition to sexual violence, criminals will be responsible for home robbery committed using a firearm, restriction of the freedom of victims and . On the 12th of this month, the Military Police located the couple’s stolen vehicle. The car was recovered and later returned to the owner.
Based on the elements gathered by the investigators, the Civil Police launched Operation Acheron, a name inspired by Greek mythology. Between the 26th and 28th of May, there were three temporary arrest warrants and three search and seizure warrants were served at addresses linked to those investigated.
During the investigation, the police seized cell phones, clothes that would have been worn by the suspects on the day of the crime and other materials considered relevant to the investigation.
Two of the suspects were already in custody for other criminal proceedings and were presented for formal recognition. Investigations continue to clarify the participation of each member of the criminal group and identify any others involved in the action.
