The arrest of the military police officer responsible for the shots that killed businessman Antônio Vinicius Gritzbach, a PCC whistleblower, does not mean the end of the investigation said the police at a press conference held this Thursday (16), after the operation that arrested 15 soldiers involved in an illegal businessman protection scheme.
During a press conference, the Secretary of Public Security of São Paulo, Guilherme Derrite, highlighted the complexity of the case and the need to continue investigations to identify everyone involved including the person who ordered the crime and the second shooter, involved in Gritzbach’s death.
THE operation, launched this morning by the Military Police Internal Affairs served 15 arrest warrants and 7 search and seizure warrants against military police officers suspected of involvement with the First Capital Command (PCC).
PM who shot PCC whistleblower at airport is arrested in operation in SP
Investigations into the involvement of police officers in the safety of the PCC whistleblower began in March 2024, after anonymous complaints pointed to the existence of a Gritzbach escortwho at the time was in the process of plea bargaining with the São Paulo Public Ministry.
Death led to suspicion of PM involvement
Gritzbach’s death, on November 8, 2024, at Guarulhos International Airport, raised an alert for possible PCC infiltration of the security forces. The businessman, who had already been arrested in 2023 on suspicion of ordering the death of two members of the PCC, “Cara Preta” and “Sem Sangue”, was negotiating a plea agreement that promised to reveal a bribery scheme involving police officers.
Police emphasized the crucial role of police intelligence in identifying suspects. Telephone confidentiality breaches, ERB analysis and interrogations were methods used to collect evidence and track those involved.
One of the most compelling pieces of evidence is the genetic material found at the scene of the crime, which will be compared with the DNA of the arrested police officers. The expectation is that this analysis will confirm the participation of the military police in the execution.
The Secretary of Public Security highlighted that the arrested police officers represent a minority that tarnishes the name of the institution and assured that everyone will be held responsible for their actions. Investigations indicate that the Gritzbach protection scheme was illegal, without judicial support, and used cars that imitated police vehicles.
Seizures will support investigations to find the mastermind
The material seized during the operation will be essential for the next steps of the investigation. Documents and other evidence collected in the searches will help uncover the extent of the corruption scheme and identify the person behind Gritzbach’s death.
Despite the shooter’s arrest, the police continue to search for a possible second shooter and continue to investigate Kauê do Amaral Coelho, identified as the “scout” who provided information about Gritzbach’s location at the airport. Kauê, who is on the run, is considered a key player in dismantling the criminal network.
Police believe he is receiving help to remain hidden, and the investigation extends to the people who are helping him.
This content was originally published in Arrest of PCC whistleblower shooter does not end investigation, says police on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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