Brazilian Doctor Accused of Stealing
A 68-year-old Brazilian doctor was arrested after investigators accused him of repeatedly opening passengers’ luggage and taking belongings from their bags at Miami International Airport, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office and an arrest report.
The suspect, identified as Marcos Danilo Assuncao-Oliveira, was arrested Sunday and faces three counts of third-degree grand theft. The allegations stem from an incident in the American Airlines baggage claim area several days earlier.
Surveillance Video Captures Alleged Theft
According to investigators, surveillance video showed Assuncao-Oliveira lingering around the baggage claim area before allegedly removing luggage from multiple baggage carousels.
The arrest report states that he allegedly took bags from different carousels, opened them and removed belongings before placing the luggage back onto the carousel. Investigators said the process was repeated several times.
Authorities said Assuncao-Oliveira eventually left the airport on foot with items allegedly taken from the luggage. The combined value of the property identified so far is approximately $1,350.
Three Victims Identified
Investigators have identified three victims in the case, while authorities said additional potential victims have not yet been identified.
The arrest report did not specify exactly what belongings were allegedly taken from the luggage.
Authorities also noted that Assuncao-Oliveira did not have an active American Airlines flight during the previous six months, according to the report.
Records Identify Him as a Doctor in Brazil
The arrest report lists Assuncao-Oliveira as homeless in Miami. However, Brazilian medical websites identify a person with the same name as a gynecologist with a private medical practice in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. NBC 6 reported that records identify him as a gynecologist in Brazil.
The medical background has drawn attention because of the contrast between the professional information associated with the suspect in Brazil and the current address listed in Miami court records.
Charged With Grand Theft
Assuncao-Oliveira was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center following his arrest.
NBC 6 reported that a judge set his bond at $1,100 during a Monday court appearance, while Local 10 later reported that jail records showed a $2,500 bond.
The charges remain allegations, and Assuncao-Oliveira is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Authorities are continuing to investigate whether additional passengers may have been affected and are working to identify any other potential victims connected to the alleged luggage thefts.
