Brazil's Federal Police Launched Operation Arcanjo on Friday Targeting a Group Suspected

Investigators say the suspects moved more than R$ 5.2 million in funds tied to the operations and traded roughly 17.3 kilograms of the mineral between Poconé, in Mato Grosso, and São José do Rio Preto, in São Paulo. In total, authorities are executing 22 search and seizure warrants and two preventive arrest warrants. The court orders are being carried out in Cuiabá, Várzea Grande, Poconé, and Pontes e Lacerda, in Mato Grosso, as well as Campo Grande (MS) and São José do Rio Preto (SP).

According to the investigation, the group operated a structure made up of suppliers, financial operators, intermediaries, transporters, and gold buyers. The scheme began in the Poconé region, where the gold was acquired, and the mineral was then sent to São José do Rio Preto, where it was received and kept at an establishment used for custody and commercialization. Investigators also identified mechanisms allegedly used to hide and disguise the proceeds from the deals.

Analysis of financial transactions revealed more than R$ 5.2 million linked to the operations under investigation, as well as the negotiation of approximately 17.3 kg of gold. Those under investigation could face charges of usurpation of raw material belonging to the Union, money laundering, and criminal association. The operation aims to dismantle the structure responsible for acquiring and selling illegally sourced gold and to halt the circulation of funds obtained through the investigated activities. (This is a translated and condensed version of a G1 Brasil report.)