# Online auction fraud investigation in Brazil > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/online-auction-fraud-investigation-in-brazil > Updated: 2026-09-24T12:02:10.000Z. Sources: 28. Developments: 2. Brazilian authorities have dismantled a criminal organization involved in a widespread online vehicle auction scam through ‘Operation Arremate’. This joint operation, involving the Civil Police of Ceará, the Civil Police of São Paulo, and the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, targeted a network operating 13 fraudulent websites. The group used misappropriated logos from the Judiciary, municipal governments, and transit agencies to simulate official auctions, advertising high-value goods at prices significantly below market value. Once victims made payments via the Pix instant payment system, the goods were not delivered. The scheme moved more than R$ 2.6 million and affected victims across eight Brazilian states. Law enforcement executed multiple arrest and search warrants, seizing electronic equipment and documents. In a recent update regarding the investigation, authorities confirmed the execution of five preventive arrest warrants and 24 search and seizure orders as part of the crackdown on the fraudulent auction ring. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-24: Paraíba judge reverses release order for police officers in drug trafficking probe A Paraíba judge reversed a decision to release delegate Braz Morroni and two officers investigated in Operação Pérfidus, citing that their current detention stems from separate legal processes. 25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-police-dismantle-r-26-million-online-auction-fraud-ring ### 2026-08-28: Polymarket challenges French website block amid Brazil scam report Polymarket is contesting a total website block in France, while a new report reveals Brazil faces over R$21.2 billion in annual scam losses. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/polymarket-challenges-french-website-block-amid-brazil-scam-report --- Cite as: Online auction fraud investigation in Brazil. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/online-auction-fraud-investigation-in-brazil