Federal Police Crackdown on Gold Laundering in the Amazon

Brazil's Federal Police conducted multiple raids targeting a criminal group accused of laundering 3.1 metric tons of gold mined in the Amazon. The group allegedly operated within Indigenous territories. Authorities issued several warrants and froze significant assets. The suspects face charges related to illegal mining and money laundering.

Brazil's Federal Police on Tuesday conducted extensive raids targeting a criminal group suspected of laundering at least 3.1 metric tons of gold extracted from the Amazon rainforest. The group's operations spanned several states and involved illegal mining activities within Indigenous territories, including the Kayapo and Yanomami peoples' lands.

Authorities executed 33 search warrants and 13 preventive arrest warrants across Para, Amazonas, Roraima, and Mato Grosso states. A judge also ordered the freezing of assets totaling 2.9 billion reais ($512 million) connected to the group. A separate operation targeted a Sao Paulo-based group implicated in laundering money from illegal mining, resulting in the freezing of 1.3 billion reais ($230 million) in assets.

During the raids, officials discovered hunting trophies at the residence of one suspect, including various taxidermied animals. The Federal Police stated that the suspects could face charges of illegal gold mining and trading, money laundering, and involvement in a criminal organization.

(With inputs from agencies.)