Operation Kryptolaundry

On Tuesday (9), the Federal Police launched Operation Kryptolaundry, aiming to dismantle a large scheme for irregular investment collection and money laundering via cryptocurrencies in the Federal District.

According to the Metrópoles portal, the investigated group is linked to Glaidson Acácio dos Santos, known as the "Bitcoin Pharaoh," responsible for causing losses to thousands of people through the financial pyramid of GAS Consultoria.

Amount transferred

The investigations indicate that the organization moved more than R$ 2.7 billion, with R$ 404 million identified as illicit resources intended for the leaders' enrichment. In total, it is estimated that the criminals obtained R$ 3.8 billion in profit, defrauding about 62 thousand victims across the country.

Judicial measures

24 search and seizure warrants were issued and nine preventive arrests were made, involving 45 individuals among natural and legal persons. In the Federal District, six people were detained, while two others were arrested in Spain in cooperation with international authorities.

The Justice also ordered the blocking of up to R$ 685 million in bank accounts, in addition to the seizure of luxury properties, farms, and commercial enterprises used to disguise the origin of the funds.

Scheme structure

The business core of the gang, linked to the 'Pharaoh of Bitcoin', maintained several shell companies to disperse resources, hide assets, and acquire high-value goods.

The group presented itself as legalized, offering investments in crypto assets with a promise of returns of up to 10% per month, using sophisticated contracts, in-person events, and extensive publicity on social media to attract investors.

In practice, a large part of the collected money was diverted for the enrichment of the leaders, who used cryptocurrencies to make tracking of the funds difficult.

Possible crimes

The investigated individuals may be held accountable for financial crimes, money laundering, formation of a criminal organization, ideological falsehood, among other related offenses.