Man identified as Brazil’s greatest bank robber arrested in Aracaju, Sergipe
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – A man pointed out as the greatest bank robber in Brazil was arrested yesterday in Sergipe. According to the police, Ranielly Brito de Azevedo, 38, led an organization that coordinated and prepared criminal groups to perform organized attacks all across the country.
The operation found the suspect through a joint effort by intelligence agencies from 5 states. Ranielly and his wife were found in a luxury hotel on the Aracaju beachfront.
“He is linked to several criminal organizations in the country, and has caused tremendous damage to society. He had five arrest warrants, issued by Rio Grande do Norte, Sergipe, Mato Grosso do Sul, and São Paulo,” emphasized detective Diego Brandão.
The investigator was in charge of the Paraíba agents, who made the arrest. He pointed out that Ranielly was a fugitive from a Pernambuco penitentiary. “He escaped from the Limoeiro prison, where his group blew up part of the penitentiary wall to free him,” he continued.
According to the detective, although the suspect’s organization has handled large sums of money, the exact amount can’t be estimated yet.
“Five states conducted their investigations, which led to the arrest warrants. The investigation will continue. Only when we cross-check this information will we be able to reach an estimated amount,” he said.
Crime couple
Ranielly Brito was accompanied by his wife, Fernanda Belarmino da Silva, 30, who was also arrested. According to the investigations, the woman is the head of drug trafficking in Rio Grande do Norte and is considered the state’s largest drug dealer.
According to the Civil Police, the investigations suggest that a large part of the money raised in the attacks on bank branches is used to finance drug trafficking.
The suspects were transferred from Aracaju (SE) to João Pessoa (PB) by helicopter. From the Paraíba capital, they should proceed to Natal in Rio Grande do Norte.
Source: UOL
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