Bank employee Karyny Virgino Silva was arrested in flagrante by Federal Police at Brasília International Airport after claiming there was a bomb in her bag during check-in. The incident, described as a bad-taste joke, did not affect flights and prompted a request for provisional release from her defense. Karyny, with no criminal record, confessed the mistake in her statement.
On Sunday, October 26, Maranhão native Karyny Virgino Silva, from Bacabal, was detained by Federal Police at Brasília International Airport. During the embarkation process, accompanied by a friend, she remarked at the airline counter that "there was a bomb in the bag." The attendant took the statement seriously and alerted authorities, leading to her arrest in flagrante for endangering air transport security, under article 261 of the Penal Code, which carries a penalty of two to five years imprisonment for acts impeding or hindering air navigation.
Karyny, described by her lawyers as a finance professional with a stable routine, no criminal record, and no involvement in illicit activities, admitted in her statement to making a "bad-taste joke." She described the episode as a "misunderstanding" and stated there was no intent to cause panic or harm. Her friend remained silent during questioning and was released shortly after. No flights were delayed or canceled, and airport operations were not interrupted.
The defense filed for provisional release on Sunday, arguing the arrest is "illegal and unnecessary." The lawyers emphasize that Karyny is a first-time offender with a fixed residence and formal employment. "There was no intent to cause danger. It was an unfortunate joke with no potential harm to air security," they stated in the petition. They request replacement with cautionary measures, such as periodic court appearances, prohibition from airports, and travel restrictions without judicial approval.
The case is under review by the Federal Justice of the Federal District, which is expected to rule on the request in the coming hours. Federal Police continue investigating the circumstances to assess whether there was a real threat to air transport security.