Lucas Alexandre Flaneto Queiroz, also known as Zé Carioca, was arrested as part of Operation Shadowgun on accusations of being the mastermind behind a 3D-printed gun model. The charges stem from a family incident that took place in May 2023, when the police were called to their home in Espírito Santo following an altercation involving Queiroz and his father. The incident arose after the father confronted his son about his use of a 3D printer to produce illegal gun parts for sale on Mercado Livre, prompting an aggressive reaction from Queiroz.

According to the complaint filed with the Ministry of Public, the father stated that Queiroz assaulted him with a punch, a shove, and a kick after being asked to remove the 3D printer from their home. The family dynamic has clearly been troubled, with the father's complaints indicating a sense of desperation to curb his son's illegal activities. The elder's wheelchair-bound condition necessitated that the police report be filed at their residence due to the difficulties involved in mobility.

This case highlights broader concerns regarding the implications of 3D printing technology being used for criminal activities, particularly in regards to firearms. The accessibility of such technology raises significant questions about regulation and enforcement in Brazil, particularly as illegal arms production becomes increasingly sophisticated. This incident underscores the need for heightened scrutiny and measures to prevent the misuse of technological advancements in creating weapons that can evade conventional restrictions.