Feb 24 • 10:40 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil Folha (PT)

Civil Police Operation Targets Fraud of Up to 100 Million Reais in São Paulo

A Civil Police operation in Brazil targets an organized crime group suspected of committing electronic fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering, with investigations revealing various schemes.

A recent operation launched by the Civil Police in Brazil aims to dismantle a suspected organized crime group involved in electronic fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering across São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and the Federal District. The operation, named 'Fim de Fábula', executed on October 24, involves cooperation from local police forces and the São Paulo Public Prosecutor's Office, reflecting a significant effort to confront organized crime that has been adversely impacting the financial security of numerous individuals.

The crackdown focuses on a range of schemes, including the notorious 'fake lawyer' ruse and the 'ghost hand' tactic, where criminals trick victims into installing an application on their phones that steals sensitive banking information. Judicial approval for the operation came from the 2nd Specialized Court dealing with Tax Crimes, Organized Crime, and Money Laundering in São Paulo, which also commanded the blocking of up to 100 million reais across 86 investigated bank accounts, indicating the extensive financial reach and potential damage caused by these crime syndicates.

With 120 search and seizure warrants and 53 temporary arrest warrants issued, this operation underscores the Brazilian authorities' commitment to combating cybercrime. The investigations are probing into whether the gang has also perpetrated fraud against the National Institute of Social Security (INSS), showcasing the broader implications of these fraudulent activities on public institutions and the need for robust legal frameworks to address such challenges in Brazil's evolving digital landscape.

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