Sérgio Antônio Lopes, a 62-year-old pilot, has been arrested in São Paulo on suspicions of leading a child sexual exploitation network. He was detained in a police cell at the 26th Police District in Sacomã after being apprehended at Congonhas Airport. The police confirmed that he was taken into custody on Monday and a temporary detention order has been issued for 30 days by the judiciary following a custody hearing.

During informal questioning, Lopes conceded that he was familiar with the girls being investigated but refrained from confessing to any crimes against them. His remarks were recorded, but he has not yet undergone a formal interrogation, and no formal charges have been filed. The police have confiscated his mobile phone, which reportedly contains child sexual abuse material, and will be subjected to forensic examination as part of the ongoing investigation.

Lopes is facing serious allegations, including the sexual abuse of minors. His situation raises significant concerns about child safety and the prevalence of sexual exploitation networks in the region. As investigations proceed, authorities are likely to delve deeper into the case to identify potential victims and further criminal activities connected to Lopes and others in his network.