Paraná authorities launch Operation Samaritano to probe R$ 36.9 million fraud

The Special Action Group to Combat Organized Crime (Gaeco) of the Paraná Public Ministry has launched Operation Samaritano to investigate a scheme involving the embezzlement of approximately R$ 36.9 million. The operation, which included 17 search and seizure warrants, targets a capitalization bond distributor based in Londrina and its affiliated companies.

Investigators allege the group diverted funds intended for social assistance entities, including the National Federation of Apaes (Fenapaes), the Santa Casa de Londrina Brotherhood, and the Londrina Cancer Hospital. The scheme reportedly involved inflating expenses through fraudulent or duplicate invoices and, following regulatory changes in 2020, using sham sales promotion contracts to divert funds.

The diverted money was allegedly used to acquire luxury vehicles and real estate through companies registered in the names of partners' relatives. Judicial orders have authorized the seizure of properties and the freezing of assets up to the estimated loss of R$ 36.9 million. Searches were conducted in Londrina, Ibiporã, and Maringá in Paraná, as well as in São Paulo and Itupeva in the state of São Paulo.