In a police operation in Ananindeua, the Brazilian Civil Police arrested three men suspected of being part of a criminal gang responsible for the kidnapping and extortion of an elderly woman. The operation took place on Thursday, and the suspects are believed to have inflicted a financial loss of R$ 71,116.42 on the victim, a 75-year-old resident of Castanhal. The gang's activities have raised alarms about the safety of elderly individuals in the region.

The crime occurred on February 24, 2026, when the elderly woman was approached inside a supermarket by gang members who distracted her and threatened her to leave the store with them. After being abducted, she was confined in a car for about two and a half hours, during which time she was coerced into revealing her banking credentials and was forced to make withdrawals and transfers to the gang members.

The police revealed that the suspects made various bank transactions during and after the kidnapping, including high-value purchases, which indicate a well-planned operation within the criminal network. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of targeted crimes against vulnerable individuals, prompting discussions on improving safety measures for the elderly in Greater Belém.