Mato Grosso police arrest 81 in nationwide child sexual abuse operation
The federal Ministry of Justice and Public Security’s May Orange campaign launched Operation Caminhos Seguros across Brazil from May 4‑18. In the state of Mato Grosso, police acted in 74 municipalities, deploying 594 civil police officers and 135 vehicles.
The operation led to the detention of 81 individuals suspected of child sexual abuse and exploitation – 55 caught in flagrante and 26 arrested on preventive warrants. Authorities filed 295 police reports, opened 262 investigations and concluded 241 cases with identified perpetrators. Protective orders were requested for 125 victims, and 213 children and adolescents received specialized assistance.
In addition to arrests, the task force confiscated child‑pornography material, seized electronic devices containing illegal files, and apprehended four minor offenders. Preventive outreach reached over 20,000 people through 154 educational activities, including lectures in 102 schools and inspections of 27 high‑risk locations.