(RECORD TV/CNN) - A teenager who was caught trying to steal a bicycle had his forehead defaced with a tattoo that reads, "I am a thief and a loser."
The incident was recorded with a cell phone and published on social media, leading authorities to arrest a tattoo artist and his accomplice.
Both confessed to being detained last Friday and were charged with torture.
In Brazil, torture is considered a heinous crime and perpetrators cannot be released on bail.
The perpetrators told authorities their intention was to teach the boy and all thieves a lesson.
The teenager confessed he tried to get the bike because he needed drugs.
Volunteers created an internet fundraising page to help pay for the tattoo's removal.
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