Three Suspected Brazilian Crypto Fraudsters Detained While Trying to Flee to Argentina
- Cary
- June 27, 2023
- Uncategorized
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Brazilian authorities detain three suspected crypto fraudsters attempting to flee to Argentina as part of the investigation into the troubled Braiscompany involved in an alleged pyramid scheme.
Important Points
- Three suspected Brazilian crypto fraudsters were apprehended while attempting to flee to Argentina.
- The arrest is related to the investigation of Braiscompany, a crypto brokerage involved in an alleged pyramid scheme.
- Braiscompany executives are accused of fleeing with approximately $160 million worth of customers’ funds.
- The Brazilian authorities are seeking international cooperation and have placed key figures on Interpol’s red list.
In a recent incident, three suspected Brazilian crypto fraudsters were detained while attempting to flee to Argentina. This comes as the police continue to investigate the troubled Braiscompany, a crypto brokerage involved in an alleged pyramid scheme. In March, employees of Braiscompany were caught on CCTV footage emptying the company’s premises in São Paulo. Subsequently, arrest warrants were issued for several employees of the firm. As the investigation, named Operation Halving, gained momentum, it was discovered that some executives had tried to leave the country.
Apprehension in Foz do Iguaçu
According to an official announcement by the Brazilian police, three individuals were apprehended in Foz do Iguaçu, a city on the border between Brazil and Argentina. Among them were a married couple, Arthur and Sabrina Lima, who had been on the run from Brazilian authorities since a court issued an arrest warrant last month.
The Story behind Braiscompany
Braiscompany gained prominence as a crypto brokerage during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company allegedly promised investors monthly returns of up to 8% on their deposits of fiat or Bitcoin. It also encouraged members to recruit others to the program, offering higher rewards for successful referrals. However, investors claimed in December 2022 that they were unable to withdraw their funds from the platform. The firm eventually shut down its offices earlier this year, with executives suspected of fleeing with approximately $160 million worth of customers’ funds. The police suspect that Braiscompany operated as a crypto pyramid scheme.
Key Figures and International Cooperation
Arthur Lima is believed to have played a significant role in the company, responsible for producing promotional videos. He was also a special advisor to the alleged ringleader, Antônio Neto. The Brazilian police sought assistance from Paraguayan and Argentine authorities, anticipating that the fugitives would try to enter foreign territory. Customs officers on the Argentine side of the border apprehended the trio on the Tancredo Neves International Bridge. While two individuals were promptly returned to Brazil, the third is still being held in Argentina until bureaucratic procedures are finalized.
On the Run and International Red Listing
Neto and another key figure, Fabrícia Campos, are still evading the authorities. Both individuals are now on Interpol’s red list, which mandates the arrest of suspects on sight by police forces in most countries worldwide.
Investigation Widens
In connection with the investigation into alleged crypto pyramid schemes, a member of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies recently called for Guilherme Haddad, the head of Binance Brazil, to attend the Brazilian Parliament for questioning. The Brazilian authorities are intensifying their efforts to uncover the full extent of the fraud and bring the perpetrators to justice.
