Lucas Alexandre Flaneto de Queiroz, the leader of a gang producing 3D-printed guns, has been arrested in Brazil while negotiating with international buyers.
Lucas Alexandre Flaneto de Queiroz, also known as Zé Carioca, has been arrested in Rio das Pedras, São Paulo, for leading a criminal group that produced firearms using 3D printers. The police report indicates that the gang was negotiating with buyers outside Brazil, revealing a broader international dimension to their operations. Flaneto de Queiroz allegedly authored a comprehensive manual designed to guide individuals on how to produce untraceable firearms using 3D printing technology, which could be assembled with easily accessible and inexpensive materials.
The manual, reportedly over 100 pages long, not only provided technical guidance on firearm production but also included a manifesto advocating for unrestricted gun ownership. This document was translated into multiple languages, potentially expanding the reach and influence of the gang’s illegal activities. The police have confirmed that the firearms produced were sold online, although they possess limitations on the number of rounds they can fire. Nonetheless, the weapons remain lethal, raising significant concerns regarding public safety and illicit arms trafficking.
The investigation led by the Military Police of Piracicaba highlights the growing issue of 3D-printed weapons and their implications for gun control and safety regulations. As law enforcement continues to probe deeper into this case, it underscores the pressing need for regulatory measures to address the challenges posed by modern technology in firearm production and the globalized nature of arms trafficking.
