Among those detained is a municipal guard; victim was kidnapped after suspicious transactions were blocked by financial institutions
A joint operation by the Civil Police and the Public Ministry resulted in the arrest of members of a gang suspected of kidnapping and extorting a cryptocurrency broker in São Paulo. Among those detained is one municipal guard of Indaiatuba, arrested during the execution of the warrants.
The investigations began in February last year, when the broker was kidnapped at Shopping Cidade Jardimlocated in the south zone of São Paulo. After the approach, he was taken to a farm in the metropolitan region, where he remained under threat while he was forced to collaborate with criminals.
According to the police, the group intended to launder around R$70.8 million through financial transactions. However, the amount was blocked by financial institutions that identified suspicious movements. The failure in the scheme would have led to the kidnapping of the victim, who was coerced into providing bank account passwords and access to electronic devices.
Still according to investigations, the amount that the gang was trying to move is related to a theft of approximately R$146 million against a banking institution. To justify illegal transfers, criminals planned simulate the sale of a betting site, forcing the broker to execute operations under threat.
The police action is led by the 34th Police District, in the Morumbi region. In total, six temporary arrest warrants were issued for a period of 30 days, in addition to 13 search and seizure warrants. Two arrests took place in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, where searches were also carried out.
Information from the Indaiatuba Public Security Secretariat indicates that the agency is collaborating with the investigations, especially after confirming that one of its agents is among those arrested.
Data extracted from seized cell phones reveals that the crime was meticulously planned. The suspects monitored the broker’s routine, following his movements and habits. Messages found also indicate that the group intended to intensify violence against the victim to ensure his obedience.
With the arrests and seizures made, the Civil Police intends to advance the investigations to identify others involved in the electronic fraud and money laundering scheme.
*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Jovem Pan.
