In a festive sting operation, a fugitive thief was apprehended by a police officer wearing a full Father Christmas costume at a bus station in Brazil.
The Festive Sting Operation
The unusual arrest took place in the early hours of December 23, 2025, at the main bus station in Porto Alegre, located in Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul state. Authorities had received intelligence that the 22-year-old suspect, who was wanted for aggravated robbery, planned to travel using forged documents to spend the holidays with his family.
Police launched a covert operation to intercept the man as he attempted to leave the city. The chosen disguise for the arresting officer was the iconic red and white suit, hat, and beard of Santa Claus. This clever subterfuge allowed the officer to approach the wanted individual without causing alarm amongst the other passengers at the busy transport hub.
A Wanted Man with a Criminal Record
The unnamed suspect was not only sought for a serious robbery charge but was also being monitored by intelligence services. He was known to have what officials described as an extensive criminal record, which included previous involvement in drug smuggling operations.
Video footage of the incident shows the moment the officer in the Santa costume handcuffs the suspect. The man is then calmly escorted from the ticket area of the station by the festive-looking law enforcer, bringing his attempted escape to an abrupt end.
Aftermath and Custody
Following the successful arrest at the bus terminal, the thief was initially taken to a local police station for processing. He was subsequently transferred to a prison facility, where he remains in custody awaiting further legal proceedings.
This creative police tactic highlights the lengths to which forces will go to apprehend suspects wanted for serious crimes, even during the holiday season. The use of the Santa disguise proved to be an effective tool for ensuring a safe and surprise arrest in a public space.
