Interpol agents in Paraguay arrested and expelled Brazilian citizen Alcemir De Souza Leandro Vaz, 47, accused of child sexual abuse. The man, who presented himself as an evangelical pastor, was wanted by Brazilian courts on 26 reports of abuse against minors in the Curitiba region of Paraná state.
The arrest took place in Saltos del Guairá, Canindeyú department, during an operation by Interpol's Regional Division 2, in coordination with Brazilian authorities. Commissioner Juan Fretes, Interpol's regional chief, described the crimes as “despicable” and said the suspect had an outstanding international arrest warrant.
According to the investigation, De Souza used his image as a religious leader to gain the trust of vulnerable communities. He lived in the Saltos del Guairá area, where he held services and maintained frequent contact with local families. Authorities have not ruled out that he sought to hide in Paraguay while fleeing Brazilian justice.
After the arrest, the Brazilian was handed over to agents of Brazil's Federal Police through immigration expulsion procedures. So far, there are no formal complaints in Paraguay related to the facts under investigation in Brazil, but security agencies continue to check for possible local links.
The case has caused shock in Saltos del Guairá, where neighbors reported that the suspect actively participated in religious meetings. Interpol highlighted the international cooperation between Paraguay and Brazil for the capture, framing the procedure within regional actions against transnational crimes, especially those involving abuse of children and adolescents.