A 24-year-old loan shark has been arrested in Fortaleza, Brazil, after allegedly orchestrating gun attacks against a family in Teresina, aimed at collecting an outstanding debt from the victims. The individual, whose initials are E.A.L.S.A, reportedly used excessive interest rates to lend money to the family and resorted to violence when the debts were not honored. Police revealed that two attacks occurred: one on February 21 and another scheduled for later in October 2025, although no injuries were reported during these incidents.

The case highlights significant concerns regarding loan sharks and extortion practices in Brazil, particularly in the state of Piauí, where the threats against the family persisted since October of the previous year. The police described the attacks as dangerous and reckless, given that bullets penetrated the family's living room, underscoring the direct threat to their safety. Authorities are increasingly focusing on loan sharking and taking legal action against individuals involved in such criminal activities.

The arrested individual faces several serious charges, including qualified extortion, illegal use of firearms, criminal association, and usury. This situation reflects broader socioeconomic issues in Brazil, where many individuals, often in desperate financial situations, find themselves at the mercy of loan sharks, leading to a cycle of violence and intimidation. The police intend to continue their crackdown on these practices to mitigate such threats and protect victims from further harm.