In São Paulo, a man named José Helio Santos Gusmão was arrested during a Carnival street party after being identified by the city's Smart Sampa surveillance system. Gusmão, who had an outstanding six-year prison sentence for rape issued by the Justice of Bahia, was attending the Ose block when facial recognition technology flagged him to local authorities. The arrest emphasizes the effectiveness of the Smart Sampa program in enhancing public safety during large events.

The incident occurred on Saturday, during one of São Paulo's vibrant Carnival celebrations, where thousands gather to enjoy music and festivities. Once identified, a report was sent to the Guarda Civil Metropolitana (GCM), prompting a swift response from law enforcement. This highlights the challenges authorities face regarding security in crowded environments and the role of technology in aiding their efforts to ensure public safety.

The Smart Sampa initiative, which entails deploying over 40,000 surveillance cameras across the city, aims to reduce crime rates and assist police operations during significant urban events. As incidents like Gusmão's arrest unfold, they raise discussions about the balance between public safety, privacy rights, and the increasing presence of surveillance in civic life, especially during vibrant occasions like Carnival.