Argentine scientist under investigation in Brazil for allegedly stealing biological material

Following the case of Agostina Pez, who was arrested on accusations of racism in Rio de Janeiro, another Argentine, in this case a scientist, is now facing an even more serious legal problem in Brazil: allegedly stealing a virus from a laboratory. Soledad Palameta Miller, a 36-year-old researcher employed at the State University of Campinas (Unicamp), is under investigation for allegedly stealing viral material from a restricted area of the Biology Institute at Unicamp. According to information obtained by news agency Agencia Brasil, the case began after university authorities discovered in March that biological samples were missing from the laboratory of Virology and Applied Biotechnology, which has biosafety level 3 (NB-3), the highest level.  Federal agents raided the Unicamp campus and found the samples in freezers under Palameta Millers control. The scientist allegedly entered an unauthorized area and removed samples considered sensitive.  The accusation goes on to say that not only did she remove the virus without authorization but also endangered public health. Although authorities did not specify what type of virus was contained in the stolen samples, they confirmed that the incident triggered the activation of security protocols aimed at recovering the biological material. The Argentine scientist was arrested upon discovery but posted bail after being detained for a day at the Mogi Guau Womens Penitentiary and is currently free. She has been banned from approaching the laboratory while the investigation continues.  From Rosario to Campinas According to Argentine and Brazilian media outlets, Palameta was born in Rosario, Argentina. After completing her undergraduate studies in Argentina, she settled in Brazil, where she completed her Ph.D. and spent most of her professional career. According to a LinkedIn profile under her name, she was a research collaborator at Unicamp from 2022 to 2025. She was promoted to professor in molecular biology and did research at the universitys Innovations Agency, working on a compound derived from insects that could gain ground in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals industries. Agencia Brasil also reported that the scientist’s husband, a U.S.-born veterinarian named   Michael Edward Miller who is a doctoral student at Unicamp, is also being investigated for his alleged role in the incident.  Police authorities have not yet identified the motive for the theft. They both may face charges of aggravated theft and procedural fraud. Unicamp released a statement describing the crime as an isolated case. The release added that the university is considered the second-best university in Latin America due to the quality of its scientific production and the excellence and commitment of its faculty, staff, and students.” Unicamp also reiterated that it continues to fully cooperate with the police and judicial authorities to clarify the facts.