On Thursday, police in Itaquaquecetuba, Brazil, arrested two men suspected of being part of a gang that specializes in kidnapping app drivers. This operation also executed ten search and seizure warrants, reflecting the seriousness of the crimes. According to Police Chief Luis Romani, the suspects would request rides through an app and, upon arrival of the driver, would hold them at gunpoint and transport them to a hideout. Victims were forced to make money transfers via Pix, a popular instant payment platform in Brazil.

Police Chief Romani elaborated that the gang not only extorted money but also stole personal belongings including phones, cash, and even the vehicles of their victims. So far, ten suspects have been identified, comprising three adults and seven minors, with three temporary arrest warrants and five provisional internment orders issued. There are at least three reported victims who have filed police reports, and authorities suspect that the gang may be responsible for additional crimes that have gone unreported.

This case highlights a troubling trend in Itaquaquecetuba and beyond, where rideshare drivers are increasingly becoming targets for organized crime. The police urge anyone who has experienced similar incidents to come forward and report them, as they work to dismantle this criminal organization. The implications of this case extend beyond immediate safety concerns, indicating a growing threat that could lead to decreased trust in ridesharing services, impacting drivers and users alike.