Two Brazilian highway patrol officers accused of kidnapping New Zealand jiu-jitsu champion Jason Lee in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday have been arrested and placed under investigation.
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Lee, who has been living in Rio for about a year, alleged that after a routine stop the pair, in full military police uniform, took him to a highway police base, transferred him at gunpoint into an unmarked car and made him withdraw 2000 reais (about $800) from two ATMs. He was soon released.
"Lightning", or quick, kidnappings are common in Brazil, but it is not common for the crime to be committed by law enforcement officers, raising suspicion the people who abducted Lee may have been disguised as police.
However, according to Brazilian media group Globo's website G1 and government sources, two officers have now been arrested and placed under investigation by the Brazilian Military Police's internal affairs division.
It is understood they were arrested on Sunday evening after a complaint was logged with Rio's Tourist Police. CCTV from the ATMs is believed to have aided the arrests.
Lee and his girlfriend, Fairfax New Zealand journalist Laura McQuillan, spoke of the crime and their fear on social media.
On Monday afternoon local time, they received a visit from military police officers to their apartment. Afraid of retribution, they refused to see them and called on New Zealand's embassy for help.
Doorman just called to say Policia Militar – the police who kidnapped my boyfriend – are downstairs. They should not have our address.— Laura McQuillan (@mcquillanatorz) July 25, 2016
Doorman says Policia Militar have left. Awaiting arrival of Policia Civil. #rtpt— Laura McQuillan (@mcquillanatorz) July 25, 2016
The office of Rio's state Security Secretary, Jose Mariano Beltrame, confirmed the visit was part of the investigation by internal affairs. The office requested McQuillan tweet that explanation.
With the eyes of the world media on the host of the 2016 Olympic Games, Brazil has committed to protecting visitors, athletes and officials with an extra contingent of 85,000 police, military and members of a Brazil-style national guard called the National Force on the streets. The Games open on August 5.
The office of Rio's state secretary for security, Jose Mariano Beltrame, has asked me tweet the following message: pic.twitter.com/6huFp5ChTp— Laura McQuillan (@mcquillanatorz) July 25, 2016
The couple later thanked the assistance they were receiving from the NZ embassy and the Security Secretary's office.
In a statement cited by G1, Military Police expressed regret.
"The Military Police does not tolerate detours of professional conduct. Such acts disappoint the almost 50,000 honest military police officers who fight crime daily," the statement said.
It is understood the laws governing military conduct are stricter than civil laws in Brazil, possibly guaranteeing tougher penalties if the officers are found guilty.
Lee and McQuillan declined to comment.