São Paulo police target money laundering scheme linked to drug dealing

A large money laundering scheme linked to a criminal organization is the target of Operation Off White launched by the São Paulo Military Police on Thursday (Oct. 30). According to investigations, the criminal group includes drug traffickers, entrepreneurs, loan sharks, and influencers.

The investigations began in February this year, when prosecutors gathered evidence that large sums of money obtained from drug trafficking were being moved by a large criminal network involving entrepreneurs from various sectors. They carried out a number of real estate and financial transactions to conceal the true beneficiaries of the scheme.

Police officers are executing nine preventive arrest warrants and 11 search-and-seizure warrants at addresses linked to those under investigation in the cities of Campinas, Artur Nogueira, and Mogi Guaçu. Twelve high-end properties have been blocked and funds in banking institutions have been frozen.

Suspects arrested

So far, three suspects have been arrested. Among them is a man known as Diabo Loiro (“Blond Devil”), under investigation for directly participating in attacks against state security forces. He is one of the leaders of the criminal organization and has several convictions for murder, gang formation, receiving stolen goods, and using false documents.

Death

Another suspect was shot by military police officers when he resisted arrest and died. A sergeant was also hit in the shootout and remains hospitalized.

Probes are continuing to identify others involved and track new offshoots of the criminal scam.

*Trainee under the supervision of Odair Braz Junior