Money laundering scheme used money changers and had leaders in Paraná.
Delegate Ricardo Cubas César reported that a money laundering scheme involving the purchase of drugs and contraband goods, with financial transactions exceeding R$ 600 million between 2011 and 2015, was run by four people living in western Paraná. Three of them resided in Foz do Iguaçu and one in Cascavel; the money obtained in the scheme was used to acquire assets such as luxury vehicles and drugs; the gang, dismantled during Operation Bemol, used money launderers to send money to Paraguay.
Paraná 247 – Delegate Ricardo Cubas César reported, this Thursday (5), that a money laundering scheme, purchase of drugs and contraband goods with financial movement exceeding R$ 600 million, between 2011 and 2015, was commanded by four people residing in Western Paraná. Three of them lived in Foz do Iguaçu and one in Cascavel. The money obtained in the scheme was used to acquire assets such as luxury vehicles and drugs. The gang, dismantled during Operation Bemol, used money changers to send money to Paraguay.
The Federal Police arrested 29 people during the operation carried out since dawn this Thursday (5) in PR, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and São Paulo. R$ 62,3, US$ 400, three cars and an unregistered weapon were seized.
According to investigations that began in 2012, the group used bank accounts belonging to 87 companies to receive payments from individuals and legal entities in various states interested in purchasing goods, drugs, and cigarettes from Paraguay. Most of the companies were fictitious and operated in various sectors, such as hospitality and beverage sales.
"They owned several companies used by the buyer to deposit the money that was supposed to reach Paraguay. When it involved small amounts, they withdrew the money from bank branches and physically transported it across the Friendship Bridge. When it involved larger amounts, they used the 'cable dollar' scheme, a kind of compensation where the money passes from one hand to another without leaving the country where it is located," the police chief stated at a press conference.
As of early afternoon, 11 temporary arrest warrants remained to be served, along with one preventive arrest warrant and eight warrants for coercive questioning. All 68 search and seizure warrants were executed. Temporary arrests are valid for five days and can be extended for the same period. Preventive arrests have no pre-defined term.