Brazilian businessman on the run for almost 40 years is arrested in Paraguay after traffic fight

Brazilian businessman Luciano Pampado Casquel, 68 years old, was arrested by Interpol on Thursday night (3), in Paraguay. He had been on the run from São Paulo justice system for almost four decades.

Luciano is wanted for the murder of a 19-year-old young man, a crime that occurred in October 1987 in the city of São Manuel (SP).

A fugitive for murder in the interior of SP almost 40 years ago is located in Paraguay after a traffic fight — Photo: Reproduction

The capture took place after the suspect was located due to a traffic dispute in the neighboring country. Consultations carried out by the International Police confirmed the existence of an open arrest warrant issued by the Brazilian Court.

The businessman lived in Paraguay under the false identity of "Luciano Pereira Castelo". Now, he remains under escort from the local police and awaits extradition to Brazil, where he will have to serve the sentence determined by the courts.

Traffic fight and weapons seized

The fugitive was located after a traffic fight on August 28, in the Mbocayaty neighborhood, in Asunción, capital of Paraguay.

According to the local press, the businessman was driving a pickup truck when he got into an argument with the 33-year-old driver of a concrete mixer truck over the right of way.

Luciano Pampado Casquel pointed a gun at a truck driver during a traffic dispute — Photo: Reproduction

Pedestrians caught the moment the Brazilian pointed a pistol at the truck driver during the argument. The incident had repercussions on social media.

The Paraguayan police located the businessman's residence in the city of Lambaré on Tuesday (1st). At the scene, he handed over two pistols. One of them, 9mm caliber, would have been used in the threat.

On Wednesday (2), agents seized the businessman's truck. The Brazilian gave a statement to the Paraguayan Public Ministry regarding the threats, but was released by the local prosecutor's office.

Paraguayan police visited the home of Luciano Pampado Casquel, who was accompanied by his lawyer, and seized weapons. — Photo: Reproduction

During checks, the Assunção Investigations Police discovered the true identity of the suspect. The agents found that there was an open arrest warrant against him in Brazil for qualified homicide.

Crime in the interior of SP

The murder attributed to the businessman occurred 39 years ago, in October 1987, in São Manuel (SP). The victim was a 19-year-old young man. Since the date of the crime, the defendant has remained a fugitive from Brazilian justice.

In October 2013, the São Manuel Jury Court judged the case. Because he was on the run, Luciano Casquel was tried in absentia. At the time, the process was considered the oldest still ongoing in the local district.

The popular jury sentenced the businessman to 14 years in prison for the qualified homicide.

Luciano Casquel was sentenced to 14 years in prison for qualified homicide — Photo: Reproduction

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