OperationCryptoscam investigates the actions of a group of hackers involved in cryptocurrency theft and bank fraud since 2010.
The Federal Police (PF) launched the second phase of Operation Cryptoscam on Wednesday (4), which investigates the actions of a group of hackers based in Balneário Camboriú, Santa Catarina. According to the investigations, the targets are responsible for cryptocurrency thefts and bank frauds committed in several regions of Brazil and abroad.
According to the PF statement, three search and seizure warrants were served during the operation: two in Balneário Camboriú and one in Itapema. The 1st Federal Court of Joinville/SC also ordered the freezing of assets of seven individuals and two companies.
“The targets are suspected of assisting those under investigation in concealing and laundering assets obtained from the profits of criminal activities,” said the police.
The first phase of the operation was launched in May, when the main people involved were indicted for the crimes of criminal organization, theft through fraud and money laundering.
“The Federal Police are continuing their investigations to identify others involved and to further analyze the suspects’ assets,” concluded the PF.
Theft of $1.4 million in cryptocurrencies
In the first phase of Operation Cryptoscam, carried out on May 20, the Federal Police mobilized two operations against criminal organizations linked to bank fraud and cryptocurrency theft, targeting a family group based in Ponta Grossa, Paraná, suspected of operating since 2010.
According to the Federal Police, the investigation began after a theft of US$1.4 million in cryptocurrency from a Singaporean citizen. The group reportedly moved to Balneário Camboriú in 2021 and began to hide the amounts by purchasing real estate and luxury cars, moving around R$100 million between 2020 and 2025.
“Some of the members are also being investigated for an attack on 150 Caixa accounts linked to 40 city halls,” describes the PF about Operation Wet Cleaning, which emerged after the arrest of one of the biggest fraudsters in the country, with scams against Caixa.
As the agency explains, the investigation revealed connections with crimes such as ATM theft, cyber fraud, drug trafficking and money laundering, using legal companies as fronts. “The group would have moved around R$110 million in crypto assets”.
