Federal Police launch operation against money-laundering scheme linked to international drug trafficking
The Federal Police launched Operation Exchange on Friday (3) to dismantle a criminal organisation investigated for laundering proceeds from international drug trafficking. The operation targeted Victor Shimada and Stella Oliveira, Brazilians sanctioned by the United States for alleged links to the P
Federal Police launch operation against money-laundering scheme linked to international drug trafficking
On Friday (3), the Federal Police launched a large-scale operation called Operation Exchange, aimed at dismantling a criminal group specialised in concealing resources derived from illegal drug trafficking abroad. Officers executed 11 temporary arrest warrants and 13 search-and-seizure orders at properties located in São Paulo, Santos, Praia Grande and Santana de Parnaíba.
The Federal Court, through the 7th Criminal Division of the São Paulo capital, also ordered the freezing of assets, financial resources and digital holdings of the suspects, totalling up to R$10.4 billion. The corporation states that members of the scheme had a sophisticated financial structure to carry out the illicit activities.
The police operation primarily targeted two Brazilian nationals who had been subject to economic sanctions by the North American government, under accusation of links to the First Command of the Capital (PCC).
Victor Henrique de Oliveira Shimada, described by authorities as a businessman, is identified as the leader of the criminal nucleus under investigation. He was not found during the execution of the warrants and became considered a fugitive by the justice system.
Documents prepared by the Civil Police of the state and submitted to the Federal Judiciary reveal that the companies Victory Trading and Wave, associated with Shimada, are alleged to have received at least R$27 million from a firm belonging to an individual detained and suspected of participating in drug trafficking in the coastal region of São Paulo.
The businessman is already subject to other legal proceedings related to misappropriation of funds and irregularities involving sponsorship of the VaideBet betting operator to Corinthians, according to information from the Public Ministry. Because of this history, prosecutors from Gaeco characterise him as someone who provides recurring services to conceal assets belonging to criminal organisations.
Stella Stefanie Nunes Henrique de Oliveira was identified as an administrative employee who worked at the firms managed by Victor Shimada. She was detained on Friday during the action by the federal corporation.
Furthermore, Stella also appears on the list of international penalties imposed by the United States, being accused of being part of the logistical and operational chain responsible for laundering money for the benefit of the PCC.
Source: Folha de S.Paulo
Source: Google News BR — São Paulo