Residents of Arari denounce an alleged scam in progress involving Merchant Mariners. The Civil Police are investigating an alleged scam that claimed around 200 victims in Arari, Maranhão. Residents claim to have paid between R$1,000 and more than R$2,000 to guarantee a place on a merchant sailor course, but classes have not started. The man responsible for the offer presented himself as a retired lieutenant from the Brazilian Navy. ? Click here and subscribe to the g1 Maranhão channel on WhatsApp The first contacts took place in November 2024. According to the complainants, the course would cost R$10,000, last six months and enable students to work on commercial ships. After announcements on social media and recommendations from former students, residents decided to pre-register. They claim that the man identified himself as Waldenir Duarte Reis and said that classes would begin after the completion of an accreditation process with the Navy and the Maranhão Port Authority. The first deadline announced for the start of the course was November last year. Then, the date was postponed to March this year, but classes did not start. One of the complainants, identified as Fábio, stated that Waldenir also used the name of a private institute in São Luís that offers the merchant sailor course. According to Fábio, Waldenir had worked as an instructor at the institution. However, he no longer maintains links with the teaching group. Fábio said he lost hope of taking the course and is now trying to get his money back. "But after the deadline for which there is no response passes, the person begins to disbelieve. That's what happened," said Fábio. The complainants claim to have proof of bank transfers. One of them presented two payments of R$1,000, including a transfer made on November 3, 2025. According to the candidates, attempts to contact Valdenir were responded to by text or audio messages justifying the delays. In one of the messages sent to those interested in the course, he said: "At the moment it's because I can't use the phone. But as soon as it happens, I will get back to you to talk to you." Given the successive postponements, the group decided to report the case to the Civil Police. One of the workers stated that he does not know if he will be able to recover the amount paid, but hopes that the Court will take action. "I don't know if I will get my money back, but I just wanted the Court to take action for the person'', said the complainant. In a note, the Brazilian Navy reported that Waldenir Duarte Reis does not have a link, accreditation or authorization to represent the institution or the Port Authority of Maranhão. The institution also stated that it will analyze the case and may take appropriate measures if it finds evidence of misuse of the name of the Navy or the Port Authority. Instituto de São Luís reported that Waldenir worked as an instructor there for more than ten years. Currently, he has no connection with the teaching group. The Civil Police reported that they are investigating the complaints and are taking steps to locate Waldenir. The objective is to hear from you about the facts reported by residents. Police investigate alleged scam by man offering sailor course in Arari Reproduction/ TV Mirante