The Southeast Military Command released this Tuesday (24) the approximately 40 soldiers who had been stationed since the theft of 21 machine guns in Barueri, in Greater São Paulo.
According to the Military Command, the release comes after progress in the investigations. Soon after the case came to light, 480 soldiers were stationed. Later, that number dropped to 160. Over the weekend, it reduced to 50 and then 40. Now, everyone has been released.
“All military personnel of the Military Organization carry out normal working hours”, informed the Army.
The Southeast Military Command carries out two types of investigations into the disappearance of weapons: one is the Military Police Inquiry, and the other is an administrative procedure.
According to information from the Army, possible criminal misdemeanors are: theft, embezzlement, reception, disappearance, consumption or loss. It is up to the Military Public Ministry to file the complaint.
As shown by CNN , the Army’s expectation is to complete the criminal investigation in less than a month. The IPM must request the breach of secrecy and the arrest of military personnel suspected of participating in the theft of weapons. Of the 21 stolen machine guns, 17 have already been located.
At least three soldiers are being investigated for having participated in the theft. The group, however, could be even larger, according to officials monitoring the case.
As part of the administrative procedure that investigates 20 soldiers, the disciplinary arrests of members of the barracks who were allegedly negligent in the management, supervision and control of weapons could be announced this week.
See: 20 soldiers could be arrested for stealing weapons
In this case, those involved may be penalized with a warning, disciplinary impediment, detention or disciplinary imprisonment of up to 30 days. Disciplinary detentions do not require authorization from the Military Court.
It is worth mentioning that an administrative procedure does not directly link the military to the crime. They can be punished, for example, for not counting weapons or allowing unauthorized people to enter restricted areas.
The Southeast Military Command is also reviewing all War Arsenal control procedures through external audits.
Source: CNN Brasil
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