Brazilian authorities dismantle fake military training scheme

Police from the Specialized Station for Weapons, Ammunition and Explosives (Desarme), supported by the Brazilian Army, have dismantled a criminal scheme that used fake reserve sergeant training courses to facilitate the illegal purchase of firearms.

The group organized preparatory courses involving in-person classes and exams to create a veneer of legality. Upon completion, participants were provided with falsified military identity cards and weapon purchase authorizations bearing forged signatures of Army officers. The criminals also forged Firearms Registration Certificates (CRAF) to allow the pickup of weapons from accredited commercial establishments.

Authorities seized five pistols (four .40 caliber and one 9mm) and one 5.56mm rifle, valued at approximately R$ 50,000. Two men were arrested, while a third remains at large. The investigation began two months ago following the arrest of an individual caught using forged documentation to purchase a pistol.