Maravilha man charged after taking R$ 3,000 from found wallet

An elderly man was taken to a police station in Maravilha, in western Santa Catarina, after being identified as the person who took approximately R$ 3,000 from a wallet found on the street.

The incident occurred on Friday, August 21. According to the Military Police, the owner of the wallet reported it missing, prompting an investigation. Security camera footage allowed authorities to identify the man as he removed the cash from the wallet and left the object behind without attempting to contact the owner or notify the police.

The Civil Police located the suspect and recovered the full amount, which was subsequently returned to the owner. The man was charged with the crime of “appropriation of lost property” under the Brazilian Penal Code. Authorities reminded the public that finding lost money or objects does not grant legal ownership and that such items should be returned to the owner or handed over to the authorities.