Raphael Flores Rodriguez was the target this Thursday (26) of Operation Narco Azimut, launched by the Federal Police
The money changer convicted in Lava Jato Raphael Flores Rodriguez was arrested during the second phase of Operation Narco Azimut. The Federal Police (PF) launched this Thursday (26) an action to deepen the investigation into money laundering and currency evasion scheme. According to the corporation, the group would have busy resources through cashof bank transfers and of cryptoassetsin Brazil and abroad, using companies and third parties.
By decision of judge Roberto Filho, of the 5th Federal Court of Santos, the PF carried out 26 search and seizure and temporary arrest warrants in the capital and in two cities in São Paulo (Ilha Bela and Taboão da Serra) and in Balneário Camburiú, in Santa Catarina. The magistrate determined the seizure of goods and valuables up to the limit of R$934 million and imposed restrictionssuch as the prohibition of business movement and the transfer of assets linked to illicit activities.
In the order, the judge indicated that Raphael Flores Rodriguez is suspected of being part of the financial nucleus responsible for hiding and integrating values. According to the document, the money changer would have “significant control over the bank accounts” of the company Acx Itc Serviços de Tecnologia S/A. The company would be used to “give lawful appearance” to “digital transfers and conversions”.
The judge also highlighted that, in 2023, Raphael Flores Rodriguez was investigated by the Civil Police of the State of São Paulo (PCSP) for money laundering. Finally, the judge ordered that the money changer and 12 other targets of Operation Narco Azimut remain detained for 30 days.
Conviction in Lava Jato
In July 2020, the then federal judge Luiz Antonio Bonat, from the 13th Federal Court of Curitiba, handed down a sentence against nine defendants for being part of scheme that moved money abroad for money changer Alberto Youssefin actions related to Operation Lava Jato.
At the time, nine people were convicted. Among them, Raphael Flores Rodriguez. The money changer was sentenced to 11 years and one month in closed prison for criminal organization and currency evasion. He was able to appeal the decision freely.
