Operation Samaritano fraud investigation

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

Authorities allege the group diverted funds intended for philanthropic institutions, including the National Federation of Apaes (Fenapaes), the Santa Casa de Londrina Brotherhood, and the Londrina Cancer Hospital. The scheme reportedly involved inflating expenses via fraudulent or duplicate invoices from shell companies. Following regulatory changes in 2020, the group allegedly transitioned to using simulated promotion contracts to retain funds that should have gone to beneficiary organizations.

Investigators claim the diverted money was used to acquire real estate and luxury vehicles through companies registered in the names of relatives of the partners. As part of the operation, which included 17 search and seizure warrants across Paraná and São Paulo, the judiciary ordered the freezing of assets and the seizure of properties totaling the estimated loss.