The Army expects to conclude in a maximum of 30 days the Military Police Inquiry (IPM) that investigates the theft of 21 machine guns, in September, from the Barueri barracks, in Greater São Paulo.
Three military personnel were identified as suspected of having participated in the diversion of weapons from the São Paulo War Arsenal.
The Federal Police is monitoring the investigation being carried out by the Southeast Military Command. The suspicion is that military personnel may have been co-opted by criminal factions. So far no one has been arrested.
Weapons recovered
On Saturday (21), the São Paulo Civil Police recovered five .50 machine guns and four other 7.62 mm rifles. The weapons were in a mudflat in the interior of São Paulo. Last Thursday (19), another eight weapons were found in Rio de Janeiro.
According to officials monitoring the investigation, the expectation is to conclude the police investigation soon, with the request for arrest and indictment of those involved. Clarifying the case is treated as a priority by the Force.
Although the theft occurred in September, the Army only found out about the disappearance of the weapons on October 10th. The Military Police Inquiry investigating the case was opened the following day.
Deadlines
The IPM has a deadline of 40 days to be completed, which can be extended for another 20. However, according to officials monitoring the investigation, the investigation is expected to end without the need for an extension.
In addition to the criminal investigation, the Army also opened an administrative investigation against around 20 soldiers who may have facilitated or failed to commit the theft.
According to the Force, those involved may be punished for omission, if they failed to check the weapons; or by facilitation, if they have allowed unauthorized people to enter restricted areas.
Defenses
On Wednesday (18), the military personnel targeted by the administrative procedure, according to officials, were notified to present their defenses within three days. Now, the Army has eight days to evaluate and judge.
An administrative procedure does not directly link the soldier to the crime. However, the result of this investigation can inform the criminal investigation.
The Southeast Military Command is also reviewing all War Arsenal control procedures through external audits.
Source: CNN Brasil
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