Police dismantle money-laundering scheme from drug trafficking at shop on Rua 25 de Março
Ten people were arrested in a joint operation across four states that investigated the movement of at least R$ 100 million in illicit funds by criminal factions.
Police dismantle money-laundering scheme from drug trafficking at shop on Rua 25 de Março
A joint operation by the civil police of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais and Paraná dismantled on Wednesday (15) a money-laundering scheme commanded by organised crime factions. Ten individuals were detained in the action, codenamed Halawa.
According to Folha de S.Paulo, a commercial establishment on Rua 25 de Março, in the centre of São Paulo's capital, served as a point to conceal resources from drug trafficking. The organisation used firms registered in São Paulo and other states to give the amounts a lawful appearance.
The investigation indicates that the group moved, between 2021 and 2024, at least R$ 100 million in illicit money. In addition to providing financial services to Terceiro Comando Puro (TCP), the criminal gang concealed resources from Comando Vermelho (CV) and Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC).
Among those detained is a man with alleged links to Al Qaeda's financing structure. However, Pedro Brasil, the delegate responsible for the Rio Delegacy for the Defence of Delegated Services, classified the information about connections to terrorism as "embryonic".
The investigators identified various tactics employed by the group. They created recently-established shell companies to insert the resources into the financial system. They also resorted to "smurfing" — fractionalised cash deposits — used money mules and coopted accountants.
In addition to drug trafficking, the illicit resources came from qualified fencing and the sale of counterfeit goods. The authorities are also seeking to identify and block assets acquired with criminal money.
The São Paulo Public Security Department reported that the steps aim to dismantle the network and seize the assets accumulated by the criminal organisation.
Source: Google News BR — São Paulo