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People Were Arrested in Fortaleza for Suspected Fraud in Police Civil Competition, with Mini Cell Phone, Electronic Earpiece, and Other Electronic Devices
A “squeak” in the middle of the test, a broken seal, and messages on WhatsApp: this is how the story began. It was not an anonymous tip or “luck.” The attempt at fraud in the Police Civil competition in Ceará emerged with very concrete details: strange behavior, interference noise, hidden equipment, and a cell phone turned on where it shouldn’t be.
When the police pieced things together, four people ended up arrested in Fortaleza — and the electronic devices seized helped reveal the connection between them.
What Was Found with the Group
The investigation pointed to the use of electronic earpiece, transmitter, and even a mini cell phone, in addition to cell phones and chips, all to try to receive information during the test.
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And an important detail: the four individuals are from Juazeiro do Norte, in the Ceará Cariri region.
1) First Arrested: Jaime, the Broken Seal, and the WhatsApp Open
The first captured was Jaime de Mendonça e Silva Neto. He was taking the test at Universidade Estadual do Ceará (Uece), in the Itaperi neighborhood.
According to the information in the case, he was detained with an electronic earpiece in his ear. He also had two cell phones — one of them a “mini cell phone” — and both were on, with WhatsApp open, suggesting a conversation with another person during the test.
Another point that drew attention: Jaime broke the seal of the plastic bag where candidates were supposed to keep personal items during the exam.
2) Raphaely: Electronic Earpiece in the Ear and Transmitter
Shortly after, nurse Raphaely Leandro da Fonseca was arrested. She was taking the test in the annex of the Instituto Federal de Educação (IFCE), in the Benfica neighborhood, when the police were called to investigate her conduct.
With Raphaely, an electronic earpiece (in her ear) and a transmitter were found. When asked if she knew Jaime, she chose to remain silent.
3) Cícero: The “Squeak” that Gave Away the Electronic Earpiece
Lawyer Cícero Leandro dos Santos Belém was discovered in a very direct way: an inspector passed by and heard a noise that sounded like a squeak while he was taking the test at Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC), in the Pici campus.
The police were called and managed to capture Cícero still inside the campus. During the approach, he tried to discard a paper with a written phone number into a trash can. Later, the police identified that the number belonged to doctor Robson Leite Sampaio.
And there’s more: Robson called Cícero when the lawyer was already arrested.
4) Robson: Suspected as an “External Agent” and Vehicle Circulating near the Testing Locations
As the investigations progressed, police received information that doctor Robson Leite Sampaio, Raphaely’s husband, was also involved.
The team identified that Robson was in a pickup truck driving around the vicinity of the testing locations. In versions released about the case, he appeared as someone who was not taking the test but could act as external support for the group.
In his statement, Robson denied involvement in the fraud but said that his wife knew Jaime’s wife. Nevertheless, the police pointed to a connection between the suspects and requested the court to break the confidentiality of the phone devices to deepen the investigations.
Custody Hearing: Freedom with Bail and Cautionary Measures
The four suspects underwent a custody hearing on Monday (4). The Court of the Custody Division of the Fortaleza District granted them freedom upon payment of bail.
Additionally, they were required to:
- not leave the district where they reside for more than eight days without informing where they can be found;
- report any change of address;
- attend all procedural acts when summoned.
What the Suspects Say about Mini Cell Phone, Electronic Devices, Messages on WhatsApp
G1 attempted to contact the defense of Jaime de Mendonça and Cícero Leandro, but did not receive a response by the time the report was published.
The defense of Robson and Raphaely released the statement below (kept in full):
“In response to the news circulated about the events that occurred during the Police Civil competition in Ceará last Sunday, August 3, the defense of doctor Robson Leite Sampaio and his wife, nurse Raphaely Leandro da Fonseca, comes to the public to clarify that the version of the facts presented so far is preliminary, incomplete, and does not reflect the reality of what occurred. Dr. Robson Sampaio and Mrs. Raphaely da Fonseca are respected professionals in their communities, parents of two small children, and have never been involved in any illicit activities. The accusations against them are based on misinterpretations and a fragile web of circumstances that the defense will demonstrate to be unfounded. It is essential to emphasize that, in the custody hearing held on August 4, the Judiciary, after analyzing the initial elements of the investigation, ordered the immediate release of both, recognizing that there are no grounds to justify the continuation of their arrests. This judicial decision reinforces the need for caution and serenity in the assessment of the case. The defense fully trusts in justice and reiterates that all facts will be duly clarified in the appropriate forum, which is the judicial process. During the criminal instruction, when the defense will have the opportunity to present evidence and defenses, the truth will come to light, and the innocence of Dr. Robson Sampaio and Mrs. Raphaely da Fonseca will be proven. Until then, we appeal for the presumption of innocence, a fundamental pillar of our rule of law, to be fully respected.”
Fraud in Competitions in Brazil: Cell Phone and Other Electronic Devices Remain on the Radar
This type of attempt is not new and remains the focus of operations. On December 8, 2025, for example, the Police Civil of Ceará (PCCE) reported the on-site arrest of six people suspected of fraud in a competition in Tauá, with the seizure of electronic earpieces, notes, smartwatches, and cell phones.
The SSPDS also reinforces official channels for reporting, such as 181 (Crime Reporting Line) and a WhatsApp number for submitting information.
Are you studying to pass a competition? Leave a comment below with your opinion on security in tests and fraud in competitions, and if it makes sense to you, share this text with someone who is studying for a competition.
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