São Luís police arrest man for allegedly extorting businessman

The Civil Police of Maranhão arrested a 44-year-old man in São Luís during Operação Rastro. He is suspected of attempting to extort R$ 350,000 from a 75-year-old businessman and a company employee through death threats.

Investigations revealed that the intimidation began in mid-October, initially via printed messages left at the company headquarters and later through WhatsApp. The suspect allegedly threatened the life of the businessman and his family members, including his children and granddaughters, demonstrating knowledge of their routines, addresses, and vehicles.

To evade identification, the suspect reportedly used phone lines and bank accounts registered to third parties. No payments were made by the victims. During the operation, police executed search and seizure warrants at the suspect's residence, seizing cell phones and electronic devices for forensic analysis.