Espírito Santo police arrest 35 in nationwide child abuse crackdown

Operation Caminhos Seguros 2026, a national police initiative coordinated by Brazil's Ministry of Justice and the Espírito Santo Secretariat of Public Security, was carried out from May 4 to May 23 across all 78 municipalities of the state. The operation targeted sexual abuse and exploitation of children and adolescents.

The effort resulted in 35 people being detained – 20 in flagrante and 15 via arrest warrants – for crimes against minors. Authorities opened 161 investigations, logged 340 police reports and assisted 318 victims. Notably, a father was arrested for forcing his daughter to perform oral sex as punishment for a low school grade.

A total of 193 police officers and 125 vehicles took part, executing 11 search‑and‑seizure warrants and seizing child‑pornography material. Educational and preventive actions reached 25,844 people through schools and public venues, with 84 outreach events conducted across the state.