Operation Mercado Oculto targets tax evasion and money laundering network

The Special Action Group to Combat Criminal Organizations (GAECO), part of the Public Ministry of Santa Catarina, launched Operation ‘Mercado Oculto’ to investigate suspected tax evasion and money laundering. The operation involves a network of commercial establishments suspected of using a coordinated structure of multiple companies and individuals to hide a single economic group and fragment revenue to avoid taxes.

Authorities executed 31 search and seizure warrants across various municipalities in Santa Catarina and Paraná. The investigation aims to collect documents, electronic equipment, and financial records to clarify the group's operations. The judiciary has ordered the freezing of up to R$ 8.9 million in assets and financial holdings related to the investigation.