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Brazil money laundering investigation

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2026-09-24 18:57 UTC → 2026-09-24 23:21 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Authorities in Brazil have initiated the third phase of ‘Operation Carbono Oculto’ (also referred to as ‘Operation Crédito Oculto’) to investigate suspected money laundering and organized crime. The probe focuses on the acquisition of the fuel distributor Tobras Distribuidora de Combustíveis Ltda., known as ~~Terrana.~~ Terrana, and the sugar-alcohol plant Usina Itajobi. Led by the São Paulo Public Prosecutor's Office (GAECO) and the Federal Revenue Service, the operation involves search and seizure warrants across seven Brazilian states, targeting 13 individuals and 19 companies. Investigators are focusing on the use of sophisticated financial structures, including investment funds, fintechs, and shell companies, to conceal the origin of funds. Authorities allege that organized crime groups, potentially linked to the PCC, used these methods to hide control over ~~a sugar-alcohol plant~~ assets before ~~acquiring the fuel company.~~ acquisition. Key targets include former Banco Genial executive Humberto Arthur Tupinambá Neto and businessman Antonio Carlos Freixo Junior, the owner of Entre Investimentos. Finance Minister Dario Durigan stated that Entre Investimentos acted as a key entity in laundering money for these operations. Freixo Junior has since signed a plea bargain agreement with the Prosecutor General's Office. Investigations suggest he acted as a financial operator for Daniel Vorcaro, the former owner of Banco Master. Authorities allege that funds from both Banco Master and organized crime were funneled through the same entities to facilitate corruption and asset concealment. The Federal Revenue Service has identified approximately R$ 11.6 billion in suspicious financial movements involving fintechs and investment funds between 2021 and 2025. The investigation is also exploring potential connections between these financial movements and the funding of the film ‘Dark Horse,’ a biopic depicting the life of former President Jair ~~Bolsonaro.~~ Bolsonaro, with funds allegedly routed through Entre Investimentos to the Havengate Development Fund in the United States.

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