Moraes suspends visits to “black kid” after seizure of panettone electronics

Minister Alexandre de Moraes, of the Federal Supreme Court (STF), decided to suspend visits to Lieutenant Colonel Rodrigo Bezerra, one of the “black kids” being investigated for an alleged coup attempt.

The measure was taken after the soldier’s sister tried to enter the Army Police Battalion, in Brasília, with a panettone box that contained electronic equipment, such as a headset, a USB cable and a memory card.

The case occurred on December 28, when the colonel’s sister was subjected to a security search.

The panettone box triggered the metal detector, leading agents to question the woman, who initially reported that she only had one earphone. After opening the box for inspection, the equipment was found and seized, remaining in the custody of the Criminal Investigations Squad.

Rodrigo Bezerra de Azevedo, known for his connection with the Army’s special forces, was arrested on November 19 during the Federal Police’s Countercoup operation.

He and other suspects have since been transferred to Brasília, where they are being investigated for their alleged intentions to destabilize the government after the 2022 elections.

The “black kids”, as they are known, are active or reserve military personnel specialized in special operations. The Army confirmed the existence of these troops, which have been operating since 1957.

In November, four soldiers linked to these forces were accused of conspiring to prevent the inauguration of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and restrict the actions of the Judiciary.