A 65-year-old Chilean man was arrested on Tuesday (14/04) on suspicion of stealing a passenger’s luggage at São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport, in Greater São Paulo. Authorities say this is the 11th similar case involving the same suspect at the airport since last year. He had previously been released on bail in February despite earlier charges. This case occurs amid a broader increase in thefts at the country’s largest airport, which recorded an average of four incidents per day in 2025. In the first two months of 2026 alone, this number has already risen by nearly 20%, raising concerns about passenger security.
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Identity
Investigations identified the suspect as Winton Ricardo Fuentes Yanes, who is also linked to another theft that occurred on Saturday (12/04) at the same airport. In that incident, a 29-year-old passenger had her backpack stolen while seated. Items taken included a headset, a back arm, two phone chargers, a necklace, and R$600. According to the São Paulo State Public Security Secretariat (SSP), the suspect had already been arrested in November 2025 for aggravated theft and was under investigation for nine additional property crimes committed between August and October of that year, all following the same pattern. Authorities also reported that he has no official record of entry into Brazil and is currently in an irregular immigration situation.
Most Recent Case
According to the police report, in the most recent incident the suspect took advantage of a moment of distraction from a 58-year-old passenger who was seated and stole his backpack. After committing the theft, he attempted to leave the area but was identified and approached by civil police officers. He apparently ignored orders to stop, attempted to flee, and resisted arrest, even pushing one of the officers. He was eventually subdued and arrested in the act. All of the victim’s belongings were recovered, including a laptop, books, a charger, and R$100. According to investigators, the suspect consistently used the same method, approaching victims discreetly, using a coat to conceal his actions, and quickly removing bags and backpacks.
Increase in Crimes
The suspect’s repeated actions reflect a broader trend of rising thefts at Guarulhos Airport. He had previously been arrested on October 25, 2025, and, according to police, even attempted to injure himself during custody procedures to claim mistreatment. Despite being released by court order on February 23, 2026, he returned to the airport less than two months later and summarized the same criminal pattern, using identical tactics and even the same clothing. His case is seen as part of a larger problem affecting the airport, where thefts have been steadily increasing. In the first two months of 2026, incidents rose by 18% compared to the same period the previous year. In 2025, there had already been a 22% increase compared to 2024, reinforcing concerns about the persistence and growth of this type of crime.
Analysis:
The repeated thefts at São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport illustrate a pattern of opportunistic crime that thrives in high-flow transit environments, where constant movement and passenger distraction create favorable conditions for offenders. Airports combine anonymity, time pressure, and a high concentration of valuable personal belongings, making them particularly attractive for this type of activity. The suspect’s ability to operate multiple times using a consistent method suggests not only individual persistence but also structural gaps in surveillance, deterrence, and immediate response within the terminal environment.
The broader increase in thefts at the airport points to a systemic issue rather than isolated incidents. Rising numbers suggest that criminal actors may perceive the location as low-risk and high-reward, particularly when enforcement is inconsistent or predictable.
Sources: G1; A Folha de SP.
