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If you've ever tried, unsuccessfully, to capture a teddy bear in one of those shopping mall machines, you know how frustrating the task can be. The claws don't seem to have enough strength, the toy slips, and all that's left is the feeling that the game is somehow against you.
But what if this feeling is not just an impression? An operation by the Rio de Janeiro Civil Police launched this Wednesday (28) revealed a complex scheme behind these machines, which may explain why so many players leave empty-handed..
A Civil police is investigating gangs that exploit the popular stuffed animal machines. This time, the Police Station for the Repression of Crimes against Intangible Property (DRCPIM) discovered an adulteration scheme that makes it even more difficult for players to get the gifts.
The so-called “weak claw scam” was unveiled, revealing a hidden mechanism that interferes with the release of toys, frustrating thousands of consumers.
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How the fraud worked
According to investigations, the group responsible for the scheme installed a move counter on each machine that, in a subtle way, manipulated the force of the claw.
Only after a certain number of failed attempts would the machine release the force necessary to capture a toy., creating a false feeling that success depends exclusively on the player's skill. In practice, most people were destined to lose money.
In a detailed operation, agents carried out 19 search and seizure warrants, including a warehouse in the North Zone of Rio de Janeiro, where the company Black Entertainment operated. Dozens of tampered with machines and hundreds of counterfeit plush toys were found at the location, which, according to experts, were part of a larger fraud scheme.
Fake plush toys and more revelations
The investigation, which began after reports of the use of counterfeit dolls of registered characters, led to the discovery of a fraudulent process on several machines spread across shopping malls of the Grand River.
The companies Black Entertainment and London Adventure were at the center of the scheme, using pirated toys and tampered with machines to deceive consumers.
According to delegate Pedro Brasil, all the machines found in the Black Entertainment warehouse were manipulated with the play counter.
Furthermore, investigations showed that one of the suspects had already been investigated for involvement in gambling, raising suspicions about Jogo do Bicho's participation in the scheme.
Consequences and developments
In the operation carried out, in addition to the machines and stuffed animals, electronic devices and documents were seized that could help the Civil Police to dismantle the scheme completely.
Those involved may be liable for crimes against the popular economy, against the consumer, against intangible property and criminal association, in addition to practices related to gambling.
Investigations continue to identify other members of the criminal group and possible connections to illegal activities such as money laundering. The police are also seeking to understand the extent of the fraud and its ramifications in other regions of the country.
What do you think?
Given these revelations, the question remains: are the stuffed machines in shopping malls manipulated more than we imagine? Leave your opinion in the comments!
