# Operation Mercado Oculto tax evasion investigation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/operation-mercado-oculto-tax-evasion-investigation
> Updated: 2026-09-02T21:26:29.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

The Special Action Group to Combat Criminal Organizations (GAECO) launched ‘Operation Mercado Oculto’ to investigate a network of commercial establishments suspected of tax evasion and money laundering in the Brazilian states of Santa Catarina and Paraná.

Investigators allege that multiple formally independent companies are actually part of a single coordinated business and family structure designed to hide an economic group and facilitate tax suppression. The operation involved the execution of 31 search and seizure warrants targeting business owners, companies, and an accountant to collect documents, electronic devices, and financial records.

A judge has ordered the seizure of movable, immovable, and financial assets up to an estimated R$ 8.9 million, representing the suspected amount of tax loss.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-02: Operation Mercado Oculto targets tax evasion and money laundering network

Brazilian authorities launched Operation ‘Mercado Oculto’ to investigate a commercial network suspected of tax evasion and money laundering in Santa Catarina and Paraná.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/operation-mercado-oculto-targets-tax-evasion-and-money-laundering-network

### 2026-08-31: GAECO launches operation against tax evasion and money laundering network

GAECO launched ‘Operation Mercado Oculto’ in Santa Catarina and Paraná to investigate a commercial network suspected of tax evasion and money laundering involving R$ 8.9 million in estimated losses.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gaeco-launches-operation-against-tax-evasion-and-money-laundering-network

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Cite as: Operation Mercado Oculto tax evasion investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/operation-mercado-oculto-tax-evasion-investigation