A court ordered the freezing of nearly R$40 million in assets and funds as part of an investigation into electronic scams, illegal gambling and fake donation campaigns. The Goiás Civil Police launched Operation Fraud Machine on November 9, with plans to execute 12 temporary arrest warrants and 27 search and seizure warrants.
The investigation began after a fraudulent fundraising campaign was identified. According to police, the suspects used a manipulated video of a nationally known religious leader to simulate appeals for donations and deceive victims. The investigation also identified the use of fintechs, payment platforms and financial intermediaries to move funds linked to the activities under investigation.
The warrants are being executed in seven Brazilian states. One of the people under investigation lives in the United States, and police have contacted U.S. authorities and Interpol for help locating him. The final tally of arrests and seizures had not yet been released.
