In Cabo Frio, Brazil, the police successfully recovered 39 out of 52 jiu-jitsu belts that were stolen from a local social project run by the Apae organization. The theft occurred on February 27, coinciding with an important event for students, who were to participate in a graduation ceremony marking their progression in the martial art. This incident stirred significant concern among students, their families, and supporters of the program, highlighting the community's investment in the initiative.

Following the theft, which left the project in disarray, the Military Police's intelligence unit initiated an investigation to locate both the stolen items and those responsible for the crime. Their efforts led to a tip-off indicating that a man was attempting to sell the stolen belts in the Jardim Caiçara neighborhood. The police acted on this information, leading to a confrontation where the suspect fled upon seeing law enforcement, abandoning the recovered materials behind.

The recovered belts and other equipment, including a jiu-jitsu kimono, were subsequently taken to the 126th Police Station in Cabo Frio. This incident not only underscores the persistent issues of theft affecting community resources in Brazil but also signals a community’s resilience and commitment to upholding the integrity of supportive local initiatives.