Brazilian Police Bust Major Crypto Money Laundering Scheme Linked to Drug Cartel

São Paulo's Civil Police have uncovered and dismantled a major money laundering operation linked to the drug cartel First Capital Command (PCC).

The operation was disguised as a cryptocurrency exchange, handling around 500 million reais (approximately $89 million).

During the crackdown, police seized checks totaling 55 million reais ($8.9 million) from the company’s undisclosed headquarters.

The raids, which followed orders for 20 arrests and 60 search and seizure operations, targeted individuals connected to the PCC across various cities in São Paulo.

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In related actions, Brazilian courts have frozen over 8 billion reais ($1.427 billion) in assets tied to the suspects.

The First Capital Command, described by The Economist as Latin America’s largest gang, boasts nearly 40,000 members and around 60,000 affiliates.

Alexander Stefanov

With over 8 years of experience in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry, Alexander is a seasoned content creator and market analyst dedicated to making digital assets more accessible and understandable. He specializes in breaking down complex crypto trends, analyzing market movements, and producing insightful content aimed at educating both newcomers and seasoned investors. Alexander has built a reputation for delivering timely and accurate analysis, while keeping a close eye on regulatory developments, emerging technologies, and macroeconomic trends that shape the future of digital finance. His work is rooted in a passion for innovation and a firm belief that widespread education is key to accelerating global crypto adoption.