In an unconventional security operation during Rio de Janeiro’s famed Carnival celebrations, Brazilian civil police officers employed creative disguises to combat rampant phone theft. Undercover agents blended seamlessly with revelers while wearing masks depicting popular characters including Captain America, Batman, Jason Voorhees from Friday the 13th, and the distinctive red overalls from Netflix’s Money Heist series.
The innovative operation led to the apprehension of two seasoned criminals caught in the act of stealing mobile phones. Authorities reported that a drone surveillance unit observed a female suspect snatching a phone from a Carnival participant before transferring it to her male accomplice. Both individuals were subsequently arrested while still surrounded by unsuspecting partygoers.
Investigation revealed the detained suspects collectively possessed 30 prior criminal records. The female suspect had attempted to avoid detection by pretending to be pregnant, according to police statements. The operation resulted in the recovery of five stolen mobile devices in Santa Teresa neighborhood, all scheduled for return to their rightful owners.
This action forms part of Operation Tracking, a state-level initiative targeting mobile phone theft and resale networks. The program has achieved significant success with over 13,000 devices located and approximately 4,400 returned to victims since its implementation.
The tactic of using elaborate costumes for law enforcement operations isn’t unique to Brazil. Peruvian police have regularly employed similar methods during major holidays including Valentine’s Day, Halloween, and Christmas celebrations. Previous operations have seen officers dressed as Spider-Man discovering cocaine in trick-or-treat buckets, a teddy bear costume used to apprehend drug dealers, and various Marvel superhero disguises deployed in raids.