On Tuesday morning, the Civil Police of Pará conducted Operation Mirage, resulting in the arrest of 69-year-old João Silvério Angelim de Oliveira for aggravated fraud against elderly tourists in Belém. The arrest and search warrants were executed in the São Brás neighborhood by the Tourist Protection Delegation, linked to the Division of Investigation and Special Operations. The police reported that attempts to contact Oliveira's defense were unsuccessful by their last update.

João Silvério is accused of being a repeat offender, specifically targeting elderly victims at popular tourist spots such as Estação das Docas and Mercado de São Brás. He allegedly presented himself as 'Dr. Célio,' pretending to be a wealthy cardiologist and neurologist in order to gain the trust of his victims. The investigation has revealed a pattern of behavior in which he exploited the vulnerability of tourists, particularly the elderly, creating a facade of legitimacy to carry out his fraudulent activities.

This case highlights the persistent issue of fraud targeting vulnerable populations, especially elderly tourists who may be more susceptible to scams while traveling. The actions of the Civil Police aim not only to bring this individual to justice but also to raise awareness among potential victims about the tactics employed by scammers. Authorities will likely increase vigilance at tourist sites to prevent further incidents of this nature, emphasizing the importance of safety and awareness when engaging with strangers in unfamiliar environments.