Feb 21 β€’ 12:52 UTC πŸ‡§πŸ‡· Brazil G1 (PT)

Man arrested in flagrante delicto at Copacabana Beach for the 'machine scam'

A man was arrested at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro for allegedly scamming tourists and was also charged with drug trafficking.

A man was arrested on Copacabana Beach, in Rio de Janeiro, during an operation by the Civil Police on Friday afternoon. The individual, identified as JosΓ© Daniel de Oliveira Campos, was caught in the act of offering drugs to a foreign tourist near Posto 4. This action took place at approximately 3 PM, as part of an investigation targeting crimes against tourists in the area. Law enforcement officials discovered a plastic bag containing various types of drugs partially concealed in the sand during their intervention.

In addition to the drug trafficking charge, Campos is also being investigated for fraud, specifically the 'machine scam' which involves tricking tourists into using portable payment devices to steal money. Authorities revealed that he has previously scammed a Chilean tourist in October of the previous year using this technique. The case highlights ongoing issues of safety and scams that tourists may face in popular destinations like Copacabana Beach.

The arrest underscores the vigilance of the local police in protecting tourists and maintaining safety in one of Brazil's most famous tourist hotspots. The police have encouraged anyone who may have fallen victim to similar scams or who witnesses illegal activities to report them, underlining their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of both residents and visitors in Rio de Janeiro.

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