Three criminal groups moved more than R$ 100 million in the last three years. Ten people were arrested.| Photo: PF/Disclosure

The Federal Police carried out an operation this Thursday morning (26) in four states with the aim of combating money laundering from drug and arms trafficking in Rio de Janeiro. The action takes place in conjunction with the State Public Prosecutor’s Office (GAECO/MPRJ).

Around 100 federal police officers serve 18 preventive arrest warrants and 31 search and seizure warrants in the states of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Santa Catarina and Paraná, against three criminal groups that moved more than R$ 100 million in the last three years. According to the PF, so far 10 people have been arrested, four in RJ, four in SC and two in SP.

Fifteen properties, 19 cars and two boats, were seized in the municipalities of Rio de Janeiro, Mangaratiba (RJ), Angra dos Reis (RJ), Balneário Camboriú (SC) and Foz do Iguaçu (PR). In addition, more than 30 bank accounts linked to the criminal organization were blocked. According to the PF, in all, the asset constriction totaled more than R$ 22 million.

The investigation began in May 2020, with the aim of combating drug trafficking and money laundering by a criminal organization operating in a community in Rio de Janeiro. During investigations, three groups from the same criminal faction were identified, which sought to give a licit appearance to money obtained through illegal activities. Those investigated will respond for the crime of money laundering and criminal organization, whose combined sentences can reach 24 years in prison.