Shell companies caught in money laundering scheme in Port of Santos

A group of shell companies with headquarters in Santos and Praia Grande was caught changing their legal names to engage in money laundering for international drug trafficking, focusing on the Port of Santos. In addition to changing their names, the company’s partners also alternated during this period. The investigations are being conducted by the Federal Police (PF).

Fabrizio Galli, the head of Narcotics in São Paulo’s police office, explains that the corporation has been investigating this criminal organization for three years. On Wednesday (30), eight search and seizure warrants were executed at addresses in both cities.

“Some companies kept changing their legal names every six months or changing partners. They took turns in the company and operated throughout Brazil. They used shipments of fruits, lemons, mangoes, wheat flour, sugar, and wood. It was a well-organized network for this type of export,” said Galli during a press conference at the Federal Police headquarters in Santos.

Throughout the investigations, the organization seized 21 shipments totaling 17 tonnes of cocaine. Only one of these confiscations occurred at Guarulhos International Airport, while the rest predominated at Brazilian ports, especially the Port of Santos.

The drugs came from countries such as Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru, with the primary export destination being Europe, notably Belgium. In Wednesday’s operation, the PF seized documents and cell phones related to companies involved in money laundering for drug trafficking.

Billions in Assets Blocked

To dismantle the criminal arrangement, R$2.8 billion in assets held in the bank accounts and financial investments were frozen, and, at the same time, 12 properties were confiscated.

“We issued arrest warrants for the company’s partners but not its employees. Concerning each of the partners, we performed home searches and ran search warrants. The material will be evaluated, and based on the results, we will file new requests with the court. The headquarters of the enterprises are centered in the Santos region,” stated Galli.

According to the commissioner, these companies claimed to be bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues but did not hold any events, focusing solely on money laundering.

The individuals under investigation will face charges of organized crime, international drug trafficking, association for drug trafficking purposes, and money laundering.

Source: A Tribuna

To read the original news article, visit: https://www.atribuna.com.br/noticias/policia/empresas-mudaram-de-nome-a-cada-6-meses-para-lavar-dinheiro-do-trafico-pelo-porto-de-santos-diz-pf

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