Gang of fake app drivers multiplies ride prices in SP by up to 70 times

Fake app drivers are scamming passengers landing at Guarulhos airport in São Paulo. Charge up to 70 times more for the value of travel offered by legitimate platformsAccording to a report shown on the Fantástico program, Sphereon Sunday (22). Civil Police is investigating the incident.

There are numerous reports of victims, such as someone who paid R$543 for transportation to the Eastern District of the capital São Paulo; this ride is usually priced at R$70. In another extortion, a tourist from Teresina (PI) will pay R$ 542 for a trip not exceeding R$ 100; The driver will threaten to detain your bags if the amount is not paid.

In the case that attracted the most attention in the complaint about “draggers” – members of the group operating at the country’s largest airport. one passenger was charged R$4,999. As the report highlights, the race he participated in would normally have cost R$70.

Scams carried out by alleged app drivers also included the involvement of fake security guards and a woman who approached foreigners, such as a Serbian tourist who paid R$870 for the vehicle. Footage shown on the program shows the gang attacking legitimate drivers who try to report fraud.

PRF has been investigating the group since 2021

The activities of the group operating at Guarulhos airport have been monitored by the Federal Highway Police (PRF) since 2021. According to the intelligence report, irregular fleet consists of more than 100 cars Illegal weapons possession and drug trafficking were detected during the raids, and the turnover of the scheme was R$ 3 million.

One of the dragoons investigated died after being shot with a rifle during an attack on PCC whistleblower Antônio Vinícius Gritzbach last month, according to the report. He was caught coercing people who questioned the plan.

Gru Airport, the concessionaire responsible for the operation of the airport, said that it does not have police powers and that the supervision of drivers is the responsibility of police authorities and the city of Guarulhos. The municipal government reported that more than 120 illegal vehicles were seized this year.