A significant police operation named Operation Couraça has been executed in the cities of Cuiabá and Várzea Grande in Brazil's Mato Grosso state. This operation is aimed at dismantling a criminal group believed to be involved in online scams, leading to the issuance of twenty judicial warrants, which include ten arrests and ten search and seizure orders. Authorities conducted the raids on Wednesday, aiming to thwart a network that reportedly has defrauded individuals across multiple states.

Investigations indicate that the suspected group has perpetrated various types of online fraudulent schemes, generating an estimated R$ 9 million through these criminal activities. The accused are facing serious legal charges, including fraud, organized crime, and money laundering. One of the core operational hubs of these fraudsters is located in Cuiabá and Várzea Grande, where they reportedly executed what is known as the “false intermediary” scam, particularly in the sale of vehicles.

This crackdown reflects a growing concern over digital crime in Brazil, with authorities stepping up their efforts to combat online fraud and safeguard citizens against deceitful practices. The operation highlights the need for continued vigilance among consumers engaging in online transactions, as such scams can have devastating financial implications and erode trust in e-commerce.