Brazilian authorities have apprehended a 22-year-old escort suspected of using drugs to rob tourists, including numerous foreign visitors. The arrest of Cláudio Rafael Silva de Queiroz de Pontes was confirmed by police in Rio de Janeiro’s South Zone, with assistance from the Special Tourist Support Police Station (DEAT) and Ipanema’s 13th Precinct.
Cláudio, who pretended to be a male escort, had two outstanding arrest warrants for robbery and criminal association. He was captured in Cabo Frio, a coastal town in Rio’s Lakes Region. Investigators believe Cláudio was part of a criminal group that targeted tourists, especially homosexual men, by enticing them through dating apps for meetings at beaches or bars.
The victims were allegedly drugged with spiked drinks, leading to the gang stealing their money, phones, and other valuables, often depleting their bank accounts through transfers and withdrawals. Three suspected accomplices, consisting of two men and one woman, are currently evading capture.
In one incident from May, a Mexican tourist encountered Cláudio through a dating app, met at Ipanema Beach, and subsequently lost consciousness after consuming drinks. Street vendors later found the tourist disoriented and took him to a police station.
Similar incidents occurred involving an Italian man losing £17,000 in June and two Chilean tourists losing around £2,100 in August in Copacabana. Another case being investigated involves a man from Pernambuco who lost his mobile phone and over £8.5k after drinking with a gang member.
Detective Patrícia Alemany, the head of DEAT, mentioned that the gang intentionally targeted men they believed to be affluent, using their appearance to attract victims, especially foreigners or older men. She stated that the gang often had drugged drinks prepared in advance, either not charging for meetings or agreeing on a price but never intending to follow through.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects, while Cláudio is awaiting a custody hearing at the José Frederico Marques Public Prison in Benfica. Details of his statement have not been disclosed by authorities, and his legal team has not been reachable for comments.