Brazilian Crime Syndicates' Treasurers Uncovered in Major Money‑Laundering Probe

Police investigations in Brazil have identified the principal “tesoureiros” – treasurers – of major criminal factions such as the Comando Vermelho (CV). Antônio Ilário Ferreira, known as “Rabicó”, is alleged to have coordinated a financial network that moved over R$ 453 million from drug trafficking, using front companies, fake invoices, fragmented deposits and third‑party bank accounts. His partner, Raquel Neves dos Santos Mendonça, was arrested during the recent Operation Contenção raid.

Another key figure, Paulo Witer Farias Paelo, nicknamed “WT”, is accused of laundering about R$ 65 million in Mato Grosso through real‑estate, vehicle purchases and other assets, employing relatives and “straw owners”. He continued to evade monitoring despite wearing an electronic ankle bracelet, allegedly traveling to luxury locations while the device recorded otherwise. The investigations reveal that these criminal financial structures resemble corporate operations, with investments in community projects such as amateur football teams and sporting facilities used to legitimize illicit proceeds.