The second phase of Operation False Mercury, by the São Paulo Civil Police, led to the blocking of up to R$6 billion in bank accounts and assets of “service providers” for organized crime in the state of São Paulo.
At the request of the researchers, the Court ordered the kidnapping of 257 vehicles, valued at R$42 million, and 49 properties, worth R$170 million.
At least 20 people and another 37 companies had their accounts blocked. Blocks can reach R$98 million in each bank account.
Police investigations revealed that the criminal group operated a sophisticated money laundering scheme and acted as a “service provider” for organized crime.
With around 49 companies from different sectors, such as bakeries, wineries, dealerships and fintechs, those investigated offered drug dealers, embezzlers and gambling operators mechanisms to hide the illicit origin of values.
According to investigations by the 3rd General Investigations Police Station (DIG) of São Paulo, there are indications that the group has direct connection with the criminal faction Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC).
“Those involved in crime lived a life of luxury and made millions from illicit activity. Today, we are moving forward against this criminal network”, highlighted the Secretary of Public Security, Osvaldo Nico Gonçalves.
The police also discovered that one of the beneficiaries of the scheme is a man on the run from justice, suspected of participating in the execution of Antonio Gritzbach, in November 2024, at Guarulhos International Airport.
According to the police, six suspects remained at large until late Thursday afternoon (4), and 48 search and seizure warrants were executed at addresses linked to them.
