Latam Airlines has taken decisive action by terminating the employment of pilot Sérgio Antonio Lopes, aged 60, who has been arrested and is suspected of being part of a criminal organization dedicated to the sexual exploitation of children and adolescents. The authorities detained Lopes at São Paulo's Congonhas Airport, where they executed an operation that led to his arrest. Subsequently, a judge upheld his detention, and Lopes remains in custody while the investigation unfolds.

In an official statement released by the airline, Latam affirmed its commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards any actions that violate its ethical standards and code of conduct. The company expressed its readiness to cooperate fully with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation, emphasizing that Lopes is no longer employed with them. The statement comes amidst growing concerns about child safety and the exploitation of minors, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations against Lopes.

The case is being handled under secrecy, and details about the ongoing investigation remain limited. Efforts to contact Lopes’ defense team were unsuccessful, highlighting the complexities involved in legal proceedings of this nature. The situation raises significant alarm not only within the aviation industry but also in society at large, given the gravity of the accusations and the implications for child safety and the responsibilities of organizations to protect vulnerable individuals.