Mar 19 • 15:46 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil G1 (PT)

Suspects use fake Army documents to attempt to buy gun store in Campos and are arrested in operation in RJ and ES

Suspects attempting to purchase a gun store in Campos dos Goytacazes with fake military documents were arrested during a police operation in Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo.

On November 19, police arrested suspects trying to buy a gun store in Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil, using counterfeit documents from the Army. The operation involved the execution of multiple search warrants across various locations, including Campos, the state of Espírito Santo, and the capital of Rio de Janeiro. Investigators initiated the case based on previous arrests, which pointed to a larger scheme of illegal arms purchasing.

The Civil Police carried out a coordinated operation following a thorough investigation led by Delegate Carla Tavares of the 134th Police District. Since the inquiry began on November 26, 2025, after the arrest of two men suspected of similar activities, law enforcement had been gathering evidence to build a case against those involved in the distribution of fake military documentation. The efforts culminated in Thursday’s operation, resulting in several arrests and the recovery of illegal items.

In addition to apprehending the suspects, the police uncovered weapons in a house and a closed store located in downtown Campos. Furthermore, counterfeit camouflage outfits were seized from the premises, hinting at a broader trend of military impersonation that associates with arms trafficking in the region. This case underscores the ongoing issues related to firearm access and the use of fraudulent documentation to bypass legal restrictions on gun purchases.

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