While serving a warrant against a suspected pedophile in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday, police discover a treasure trove of Nazi memorabilia inside the suspect's home. Experts estimate that the collection of weapons, uniforms, and other memorabilia could be worth more than $3.5 million.
Police went into the man's house to serve a warrant for his arrest. The Brazilian man was suspected of raping a minor and sexually abusing other children. Apart from the Nazi memorabilia, Police also discovered a collection of child pornography.
Authorities said that officers on the scene had discovered more than 1,000 items of Nazi-era memorabilia inside the 58-year-old man's home. This included authentic Nazi uniforms, paintings, images and portraits of Adolf Hitler, flags, medals, weapons, and ammunition.
Experts that looked at photos of the huge collection estimated that one of the uniforms of a high-ranking Nazi official could be worth as much as $300,000. After discovering the treasure trove of Nazi memorabilia, the man was charged with inciting racial discrimination or prejudice and illegal possession of firearms.
Police in #RiodeJaneiro said on Wednesday they had found a haul of #Nazi memorabilia and #weapons worth an estimated 3 million euros at the home of a Brazilian man suspected of raping a minor.https://t.co/OUixcPPyn0 — The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) October 6, 2021
Police said they have been monitoring the man for months as part of an investigation over reports that he has been "approaching children" in the area and taking them back to his apartment.
The lead detective on the case, Luis Armond, said the man was wealthy and had come from a family of investors. He added that the man likely used his wealth to amass his collection. Armond said authorities are now attempting to contact museums to take in the items.
Armond described the suspect as a "smart" and "articulate" guy. However, Armond added that he was an open Holocaust denier, a homophobe, and a pedophile. Armond said in an interview that he believes the man to be an "insane psychopath" that needs to be locked up.
Police are currently investigating the man's connection to local and international Nazi and far-right groups. Officials said that the man may have been active in online marketplaces on Nazi group websites to have acquired such rare memorabilia.
After World War II, Brazil and other South American countries became a safe haven for Nazi members and officials fleeing prosecution. Brazil and Germany were close allies before and during the war.
