Seven inmates escape from Ceresp Gameleira prison in Belo Horizonte

Seven detainees fled the Ceresp Gameleira prison in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, on the early hours of Monday, July 27, 2026, after digging a hole in their cell and scaling the prison wall. Four of the escapees were quickly recaptured in the vicinity of the facility, while three — Luiz Fernando Freitas Pereira (known as “Bolotinha”), Saymon Patric Gomes Silva (known as “LB”), and Bruno Gustavo Gomes da Paixão — remain at large. The prisoners, aged between 20 and 33, have multiple prior convictions, though the specific crimes prompting their detention were not disclosed.

The Minas Gerais State Secretariat of Justice and Public Security (Sejusp) has opened an internal investigation to determine how the hole was made and why security measures failed. Police continue to conduct searches, and Sejusp is urging the public to provide anonymous tips through its hotline (181) or online platform to assist in locating the remaining fugitives.