Sérgio Antônio Lopes, a 62-year-old pilot, has been arrested in São Paulo after an investigation revealed that he was soliciting children and adolescents. According to the Civil Police, Lopes paid between R$ 50 and R$ 60 for each photo or video and R$ 300 to R$ 500 for sexual relations. The arrest was made public through an exclusive report by 'Fantástico', which also included footage of Lopes at the airport, where he referenced the contents of his cellphone and described his methods of approach.

The investigation highlighted Lopes's tactics for gaining the trust of families, which included posing as a kind, attentive individual seeking friendships with the children. He would often engage in conversations with the parents of the children he targeted, making contact in public areas such as streets and bakeries. The police reported that he would invite families to dinner and visit them at their homes, providing gifts and assistance that helped him ingratiate himself into their lives.

This case raises significant concerns about child safety and the vulnerability of children to exploitation. It sheds light on the lengths to which predators will go to gain trust and access to minors. The implications of such actions extend beyond the immediate victims, impacting their families and communities, and prompting a broader discussion around protective measures and preventive strategies against child exploitation in Brazil.