In Brazil, a researcher was arrested last month for allegedly stealing virus samples from a high-security biosafety laboratory at the State University of Campinas (Unicamp). Soledad Palameta Miller, who specializes in virology, was released on bail on March 24 and is facing theft charges.
The police report indicates that the stolen samples included viruses like chikungunya, dengue, and Epstein–Barr, which have since been retrieved from other locations on the university campus. Brazil’s National Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa) confirmed that these samples were evaluated and deemed safe for public health.
This incident has raised eyebrows within the Brazilian virology community, leading many to question how such a breach occurred at a biosafety-level-3 (BSL-3) lab, which is considered highly secure. Paulo Sanches, a virologist at São Paulo State University, expressed his confusion: “No sample can be removed from a lab with this biosafety level without authorization.” Interestingly, this news comes at a time when Brazil is planning to establish its first BSL-4 laboratory nearby.
Unicamp stated it is fully cooperating with the police and is initiating its own internal investigation. The samples in question were reportedly taken from the Laboratory of Virology and Applied Biotechnology, which is designed to safely study dangerous pathogens and is equipped with advanced security measures.
Such thefts in Brazil aren’t well documented, but Sanches suggests they are extremely rare. In contrast, a U.S. program tracking incidents at similar labs hasn’t reported any thefts since it began in 2015.
Although she previously worked in the BSL-3 facility, Miller wouldn’t have had the authorization to take materials from there, especially since her husband is currently a PhD student in the same lab. A court document revealed that a researcher noticed missing samples in February, and security footage showed Michael Miller leaving the lab at odd hours, raising suspicions.
On March 21, police conducted searches at Unicamp and found the missing samples, some of which were located in a lab at the School of Food Engineering. Following this, Soledad was arrested on March 23 for allegedly trying to destroy evidence. However, no charges have been filed against her husband.
The head of federal police in Campinas mentioned that the responsibility for the theft lies with Soledad, but they are still investigating possible involvement from her husband or others. Meanwhile, the Brazilian Society for Virology is keeping a close watch on developments and highlighted that the swift recovery of the samples shows the effectiveness of existing biosafety measures.
Clarice Weis Arns, head of the laboratory from which the samples were taken, declined to comment further, stating she was advised against speaking to the media.
