The suspects are accused of committing bank frauds and stealing cryptocurrencies through sophisticated virtual attacks.
Operation Cryptoscam
On the morning of this Tuesday (5/20), the Federal Police began two simultaneous operations focusing on combating criminal networks involved in financial crimes, virtual scams, drug trafficking, and concealment of assets derived from illegal activities.
The actions fulfill 26 search and seizure warrants, in addition to 11 arrest orders in states such as Santa Catarina, Paraná, São Paulo, and Maranhão.
It was also ordered by the Justice the blocking of assets and financial resources of the suspects, of individuals used as fronts, and of companies connected to the criminal schemes.
The investigations began based on data provided by the International Network for Cooperation in Cyber Crimes, created in 2023 to strengthen police exchange between countries.
The work was conducted in partnership by the Coordination for the Repression of Electronic Bank Fraud of the Federal Police and the units of Joinville/SC and Itajaí/SC.
Operation Cryptoscam
The first offensive, dubbed Operation Cryptoscam, dismantled a criminal group made up of members of the same family, based in Ponta Grossa/PR.
The suspects are accused of committing bank frauds and stealing cryptocurrencies through sophisticated virtual attacks.
The inquiry started from an international complaint about the theft of US$ 1.4 million in digital assets belonging to a citizen of Singapore.
There are indications that the group has been active since 2010.
Operation Cryptoscam House
According to the investigation, the suspects moved to Balneário Camboriú/SC in 2021, where they began to invest illicit resources in luxury properties, high-end cars, and cryptocurrencies, using third parties to conceal the origin of the assets.
It is estimated that the financial movement of the organization reached R$ 100 million between the years 2020 and 2025.
Part of the group also participated in a cyber attack in 2020 that compromised 150 accounts of Caixa Econômica Federal linked to municipalities in 40 cities.
Operation Wet Cleaning
The second operation, called Operation Wet Cleaning, began after the arrest of a woman accused of being one of the largest fraudsters in the country, with a history of scams against Caixa Econômica Federal.
During the investigations, the Federal Police identified connections with individuals linked to ATM thefts, digital frauds, drug trafficking, and money laundering.
Operation Cryptoscam Seizures
The gang used shell companies in the construction, technology, and transportation sectors to mask the illicit origin of the funds.
The total amount moved by the group in cryptocurrencies may have reached R$ 110 million, according to initial estimates.
The investigations continue with the objective of locating other involved parties and expanding the understanding of the national and international ramifications of the crimes.
Judicial Warrants:
– 26 Search and Seizure Warrants
– 11 Arrest Warrants
– Target Cities: Joinville/SC, Camboriú/SC, Itapema/SC, Piçarras/SC, Poá/SP, Guarulhos/SP, Ribeirão Preto/SP, Ponta Grossa/PR, and São Luiz/MA.