Brazil's Federal Police say nine people have been arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing Indians girls in the northern state of Amazonas.

The force says two women and seven men in the city of Sao Gabriel da Cachoeira are in custody for the alleged sexual exploitation and abuse of Indian girls between the ages of 11 and 15.

Federal police inspector Fabio Pessoa says investigators have identified 16 girls who were exploited by the group but adds that more girls may have been victimized.

Pessoa says the girls were offered money and food in exchange for sex. He says the amount of money each girl received depended on her age and whether or not she was a virgin.

The arrests were announced Thursday.

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