# Rio Grande do Norte Seap exam fraud investigation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rio-grande-do-norte-seap-exam-fraud-investigation > Updated: 2026-09-12T12:31:20.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 2. The Rio Grande do Norte State Secretariat of Penitentiary Administration (Seap) scheduled public examinations for September 13, 2026, to fill 260 vacancies for Penal Police Officers and Penitentiary Assistance Specialists. The testing process involved over 40,000 candidates across several cities, including Natal and Mossoró. Following the exams, the Civil Police of Rio Grande do Norte arrested 12 individuals in flagrante for involvement in fraud. The operation, supported by Seap and the State Secretariat of Administration (SEAD), uncovered evidence of electronic devices, such as earpieces, being used to transmit answers to candidates. Investigators believe third parties were solving exam questions from outside the testing sites and transmitting the information to participants. Most arrests occurred in Mossoró, with two in Natal. The suspects face potential charges under Article 311-A of the Penal Code for the unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential examination information, which carries a penalty of one to four years in prison plus fines. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-12: Rio Grande do Norte police arrest 12 for exam fraud Twelve people were arrested in Rio Grande do Norte for suspected fraud in the State Penal Police exam, involving the use of electronic earpieces to transmit answers during the test. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cpre-seizes-16-motorcycles-during-natal-traffic-operation ### 2026-09-11: Rio Grande do Norte Seap exams scheduled for Sunday Over 40,000 candidates will sit for the Rio Grande do Norte State Penitentiary Administration (Seap) exams this Sunday, competing for 260 vacancies in Natal, Mossoró, Pau dos Ferros, and Caicó. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rio-grande-do-norte-seap-exams-scheduled-for-sunday --- Cite as: Rio Grande do Norte Seap exam fraud investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rio-grande-do-norte-seap-exam-fraud-investigation