A coordinated police operation in the São Paulo state municipalities of Araçatuba and São José do Rio Preto has resulted in the arrest of five individuals suspected of running a criminal enterprise involving illegal loans, extortion, and money laundering. The arrests were made on the morning of Friday, May 8th.
The group, comprising three women and two men, was allegedly operating a loan shark operation. According to the Delegacia de Investigações Gerais (DIG), the suspects were charging what authorities described as abusive interest rates on illegal loans. To enforce repayment, they reportedly resorted to threats and intimidation against their victims.
The investigation further indicates that the suspects would seize property and valuables from debtors as a form of financial leverage. This pattern of coercive asset seizure is a key component of the extortion charges they now face.
During the execution of the operation, police carried out a total of 12 search and seizure warrants—ten in Araçatuba and two in São José do Rio Preto. These were accompanied by five temporary arrest warrants for the suspects.
The evidence collected during the raids paints a clear picture of the group's activities. Authorities seized R$32,100 in cash, along with detailed notebooks containing records believed to be related to the illegal lending operation. Multiple cell phones, laptops, and other electronic devices were also confiscated; these items had allegedly been surrendered by victims as collateral for loans.
Perhaps most alarmingly, police recovered a replica pistol and ammunition of various calibers. The replica weapon is suspected to have been used to intimidate victims into compliance. One of the arrested individuals was caught in the act of illegal possession of the ammunition, leading to an additional charge.
The successful operation underscores ongoing efforts by São Paulo's Civil Police to dismantle organized financial crime networks that prey on vulnerable citizens. The suspects are now in custody as the investigation continues to uncover the full extent of the ring's operations.
Based on reporting from g1.