Outrage in Rio: Vendor Arrested After Charging $191 for Two Ears of Corn

Rio de Janeiro Street Vendor Arrested for Overcharging Tourists Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – In a surprising turn of events on Sunday, June 8th, a street vendor was arrested in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, for allegedly charging a Dominican couple a staggering 191 USD (approximately R$1061.79) for two ears of corn. The incident, which occurred on the iconic beach, has sparked outrage and concern about tourist safety and fair pricing. According to police reports, the couple attempted to pay using a credit card. However, the card machine reportedly malfunctioned, resulting in the inflated charge. The vendor, whose name has not yet been released, was apprehended by police after the tourists reported the incident. "We couldn't believe the price," stated one of the tourists, who wished to remain anonymous. "We immediately contacted the police." The vendor was taken to the Special Tourism Support Police Station, where the case is currently under investigation. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of verifying prices and reporting any suspicious activity while traveling. While the incident highlights a potential problem with card machines on the beach, it also raises questions about the vendor's intent. The investigation will determine whether this was a deliberate attempt to defraud tourists or a result of a technical malfunction. The outcome of this case will likely influence future regulations and practices related to street vending in tourist areas.