PC launches 2nd phase of Operation Iron Hand and executes warrants in Pará
The action executed search and seizure warrants, temporary arrest warrants, and provisional internment for various crimes, such as inducing self-harm.
The Civil Police, through the Directorate of Assistance to Vulnerable Groups (DAV), the Police Intelligence Center (NIP), and the Interior Police Directorate (DPI), launched the second phase of Operation "Iron Hand" and executed four search and seizure warrants, one temporary arrest warrant, and three provisional internment warrants for the crimes of inducing, instigating, or assisting self-harm and suicide, in addition to other criminal practices.
The police action, which took place this Tuesday (27) in the municipalities of Ananindeua, Barcarena, Marabá, and Canaã dos Carajás, was coordinated by the Cyber Operations Laboratory (CIBERLAB) of the National Public Security Secretariat (SENASP/MJSP) and received support from the Specialized Police Stations for the Care of Children and Adolescents (DEACA) in Barcarena, Marabá, and Canaã dos Carajás, the Vila dos Cabanos Police Station, the Specialized Police Stations for the Care of Women (DEAM) in Marabá and Canaã dos Carajás, as well as support from the Scientific Police of Pará (PCEPA).
“The operation was designed to seize electronic devices used by the adolescents investigated in the case and to combat cyber crimes committed by structured criminal organizations operating in the virtual environment, especially through digital platforms and messaging apps. Among the crimes investigated are the promotion of Nazism, animal abuse, child sexual abuse material, cyberbullying, threats, and inducing self-harm and suicide,” explained the head of DAV, delegate Emanuela Amorim.
In Pará, one adult and three adolescents were identified as administrators of channels used for sharing illicit content. The actions resulted in the execution of four search and seizure warrants and three provisional internment warrants. The adult identified for involvement in the crimes is currently at large.
“During the operation, the Civil Police also identified that the crimes occurred on various social networks, and the criminal group shared content of extreme violence, encouraging self-destructive behaviors and engaging in psychological coercion, threats, and public exposure of victims, most of whom were adolescents,” pointed out the Regional Superintendent of Baixo Tocantins, delegate Mhoab Khayan.
Throughout the investigations, various electronic devices were seized, such as cell phones, computers, and external media belonging to the suspects. The materials will undergo technical examination to deepen the investigations, identify, and map the extent of the actions of the administrators and other possible individuals involved in the crimes.
Operation Iron Hand 2 - “The first phase of the operation was launched in August 2024 in the State of Mato Grosso and allowed for the identification of a highly structured national criminal network involved in serious practices, such as encouraging self-harm, with documented cases of adolescents with cuts on their skin containing the 'nicknames' of their virtual aggressors,” added the head of NIP, delegate Gabriel Batista.
From the initial phase, it was possible to identify suspects in various States of Brazil, including Pará, expanding the investigations and integrated police action. The "Iron Hand" operation is taking place simultaneously in 12 Brazilian States, with the participation of the Civil Police of Pará, Amazonas, Bahia, Ceará, Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Piauí, Rio Grande do Sul, Sergipe, and São Paulo. This is the result of an integration effort between CIBERLAB/DIOPI/SENASP and the Civil Police of the participating states, which acted in a coordinated and simultaneous manner, exchanging information and aligning strategies.
The action reinforces the commitment of the Civil Police of Pará in confronting criminal groups that act against children, adolescents, and other vulnerable populations and reaffirms the importance of coordinated action by the Civil Police across the country in combating organizations that operate in an articulated manner in the digital environment.
Report - The PCPA emphasizes the importance of immediate reporting in cases of violence, cyberbullying, and other crimes committed through cyber means, via Disque 100 or Disque-Denúncia 181, in emergency situations.
Text by Raphaela Rocha, supervised by Jeniffer Terra / Ascom PC
