11.02.2026 12:01
A 70-year-old pilot was detained by police on the plane before takeoff, accused of running a child trafficking and abuse network in Brazil; the operation, carried out as part of an investigation that has reportedly been ongoing for years, is seen as a new reflection of the increasing international pressure against child abuse networks worldwide following the Epstein scandal.
A 70-year-old pilot, alleged to have run a child trafficking and sexual exploitation network in Brazil, was detained by police on a plane preparing for takeoff. The operation is reported to be part of a long-running extensive investigation.
Authorities stated that the suspect was arrested at an airport in São Paulo before takeoff. Police teams acted under a court order as part of the investigation against the pilot. Following the incident, it was noted that searches were conducted at the suspect's home and associated addresses. The investigation file included claims that the suspect was connected to a network involving the exploitation of underage children and had been under surveillance for a long time. Authorities did not share details due to the confidentiality of the investigation.
OPERATION WITH INTERNATIONAL DIMENSIONS
Reports in the Brazilian press indicated that the operation may involve not only local but also international connections. Security sources emphasized that international cooperation has increased in the global fight against child exploitation and trafficking.
INCREASED PRESSURE AFTER EPSTEIN
Experts pointed out that the operation reflects a response to the increased visibility and severity of investigations into child exploitation networks worldwide following the scandal involving American financier Jeffrey Epstein. The emergence of the Epstein files had created significant public pressure against exploitation networks, including high-profile individuals.