Former Army lieutenant is arrested by the PF in an operation against illegal weapons collections

A 50-year-old former Army lieutenant colonel and former CAC was arrested this Friday morning (26/01), in Niterói, in the Metropolitan region of Rio, suspected of illegal possession and trade in weapons. According to the Federal Police task force, investigations indicate that the retired soldier was in possession of 33 illegally obtained weapons.

At the prisoner's house, whose identity was not disclosed, the agents seized an illegal revolver, ammunition, as well as other evidence. According to the PF, the man had his registration and authorization to possess a weapon revoked by the Brazilian Army in 2023. He had already been investigated, in 2019, for the diversion of firearms while he was the head of the Controlled Products Inspection Service (SFPC ) in the 1st Military Region.

The Integrated Force to Combat Organized Crime (FICCO/RJ) is a task force composed of the Federal Police and the Military (PMERJ) and Civil Police (PCERJ) of Rio de Janeiro, which aims to carry out joint and integrated action in combating organized crime in the state of Rio de Janeiro. “The investigations will continue with the aim of revealing the destination of the remaining firearms”, says the PF note.

In a note to CNN the Brazilian Army says that the soldier is no longer part of the Army's active service and that he is collaborating with ongoing investigations.

Note – Brazilian Army

The Eastern Military Command informs that the soldier in question is no longer part of the Army's active service and that he is collaborating with ongoing investigations. The Force does not comment on investigative processes conducted by other bodies, as this is the procedure that has guided the respectful relationship between the Brazilian Army and other institutions of the Republic.

Finally, it is worth highlighting that the Brazilian Army does not condone any misconduct by any of its members.