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Wellington Tavares Gomes Cardoso was arrested Sunday afternoon by officers from the Delegacia Especial de Apoio ao Turismo (Deat) following allegations of a card machine fraud targeting a French tourist on Copacabana beach, near Posto 3, in Rio de Janeiro’s South Zone. According to the Civil Police, the suspect offered two caipirinhas for R$ 80 but insisted on credit card payment, subsequently charging the victim R$ 8.246,40. The suspect, who has prior criminal records for theft and drug possession, was apprehended after the victim provided his description to authorities.
Did You Know?
Beyond the fraudulent charge processed against the French tourist, police investigators discovered two additional attempted transactions on Wellington Tavares Gomes Cardoso’s card machine that totaled over R$ 20 mil.
Legal Status and Custody Details
Following his arrest, Cardoso was taken to the Deat, where he was formally charged with estelionato (fraud). According to delegate Patrícia Alemany, the head of the specialized unit, the suspect denied the allegations during his deposition. His arrest in flagrante was maintained by authorities, and he has been transferred to the Polinter facility.
The suspect remains at the disposal of the justice system while awaiting further proceedings. The final decision regarding whether his detention will be converted into preventive custody or if he will be granted provisional liberty now rests with the judge presiding over his upcoming custody hearing.
Expert Insight:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary charge against Wellington Tavares Gomes Cardoso?
He has been charged with estelionato, or fraud, following the incident on Copacabana beach.
How did the suspect allegedly carry out the fraud?
According to the Civil Police, he insisted the victim pay for two caipirinhas via credit card instead of cash, then processed a charge for R$ 8.246,40 instead of the agreed R$ 80.
What happens to the suspect now?
He is currently held at the Polinter facility. A judge will decide during a custody hearing whether he will be released on provisional liberty or held in preventive custody.
Are local authorities implementing new measures to protect tourists from similar payment scams on the beach?