Telegram sends data from neo-Nazi groups to the Federal Police

Telegram has forwarded information about neo-Nazi groups suspected of planning attacks on schools to the Federal Police. The company was called to submit data after the person responsible for the investigation into the attack on two schools in Aracruz (ES) was determined that a 16-year-old teenager had joined groups with anti-Semitic content.

On Wednesday (20), the Espírito Santo Federal Court ruled to collect data from groups and individuals suspected of plotting the attacks and threatened to suspend the platform and impose a fine of R$100 per day. The detection initiated an administrative process with the judiciary and the federal government messaging app.

Created to investigate threats to schools, Operation Safe School is investigating the involvement of 1,732 profiles suspected of participating in the planning of attacks on schools. The task force noted that as of Friday, 21st, 302 people had been arrested or detained. The initiative includes intelligence, investigation and prevention actions, as well as complaints from civil society.

Attacks on schools are on the rise

Attacks on schools are on the rise in Brazil. Only in 2022 and 2023, the number of attacks already exceeds the total recorded in the previous 20 years. Numerous cases have been recorded in recent months, including the attack on two schools in Aracruz (ES), which killed four and injured 13, and the attack on a day care center in Blumenau (SC), which killed four children.

Some studies conducted by the University of São Paulo (USP) and Campinas State University (Unicamp) indicate that most attackers are young men, victims of bullying and possible mental disorders. Many are influenced by online communities that promote violence and misogyny.