Rio de Janeiro man arrested for illegal loan sharking

A man was arrested in Catumbi, Rio de Janeiro, for operating an illegal loan sharking scheme involving abusive interest rates and violent threats. According to the Civil Police, one victim who borrowed approximately R$30,000 saw the debt escalate to over R$1 million in just 12 months due to excessive interest charges.

Investigators reported that the suspect used extreme violence to pressure debtors and seized assets as a form of payment. The individual has a criminal record including drug trafficking, extortion, and bodily injury. While the suspect admitted to making loans with interest, he denied using violence or making threats. Police investigations are ongoing to identify other victims.