The influencer Gabriel Spalone, identified as the leader of a scheme that embezzled R$ 146 million through Pix, was arrested on Saturday (27) in Argentina by the Federal Police. According to the Civil Police of São Paulo (PCSP), he allegedly opened shell companies to operate in the digital financial services and cryptocurrency sector without the proper authorization from the Central Bank to operate in the payment system.
According to the newspaper O Globo, Spalone was arrested at the International Airport of Buenos Aires after disembarking from a flight coming from Panama. Previously, he had been arrested in that country but was released by the local authorities. This time, the arrest occurred because his name was already on the Interpol wanted list due to the 'Dubai Operation', conducted by the PCSP.
Investigations indicate that the influencer, along with other accomplices, defrauded a Brazilian bank using the so-called 'indirect pix', a mechanism aimed at smaller institutions but manipulated illegally. The scam is said to have moved hundreds of millions in a few hours, causing an estimated loss of R$ 39 million after part of the diverted amounts were recovered.
Spalone, who has about 800 thousand followers on social media and owns the companies Dubai Cash and Next Trading Dubai, is among the main suspects. Two other individuals involved have also been detained. The influencer's defense denies the accusations and claims that they will try to reverse the arrest.
There is still a chance that he will be deported first to Paraguay — the country from where he would have started the escape — before being transferred to Brazil.
