Rio de Janeiro police seized 13,000 stuffed animals and 80 claw machines for suspected involvement in an organized crime operation.

Rio de Janeiro police seized stuffed animals and claw machines, suspecting them to be part of an organized crime operation. 13,000 stuffed animals and 80 claw machines were seized in recent crackdowns, with the machines programmed to only allow a successful grab after a pre-set number of attempts. The police suspect the machines may be linked to corrupt groups that already operate slot machines and a popular lottery, known as "Animal Game," across the city. The seizures have disrupted operations for Rio de Janeiro's claw connoisseurs, who have been reporting weaker and less successful machines recently. The seized stuffed animals were initially destined for destruction but were donated to families who lost their homes in floods.