In a significant blow to organized crime, authorities in São Paulo launched a coordinated operation on Friday morning. The action, dubbed Operation Caronte, involved the Civil Police and the State Public Prosecutor's Office executing multiple search and seizure warrants.
The primary focus of the operation was the city of Atibaia, but the investigation's reach extended to seven other municipalities. Teams were also active in Campinas, Monte Mor, Sumaré, Limeira, Mogi das Cruzes, Osasco, and Taquaritinga, indicating the widespread nature of the alleged criminal network.
Investigators allege the operation targets a sophisticated money laundering scheme linked to the Primeiro Comando da Capital, or PCC, a major criminal faction. The scheme reportedly used businesses in the transportation, rodeo, and music industries to process illicit funds. These companies allegedly employed 'straw men' or 'laranjas' as partners to obscure the true origin of the money.
One of the central figures in the investigation is Eduardo Magrini, known by the alias 'Diabo Loiro' or 'Blond Devil.' Authorities suspect Magrini has been involved in laundering proceeds for the PCC since 2016. His criminal history includes a prior arrest in 2025 during another police operation.
The investigation has also uncovered a more sinister alleged plot. Magrini is reportedly being investigated for his suspected involvement in a plan to assassinate prosecutor Amauri Silveira Filho. This detail underscores the high-stakes and dangerous nature of the criminal enterprise being dismantled.
As part of the legal proceedings, the judiciary has taken a decisive financial step. A court order has been issued to freeze approximately R$ 10 million in bank accounts and assets belonging to the individuals under investigation. This move aims to prevent the further dissipation of allegedly criminal funds.
As of the latest reports from the scene in Atibaia, authorities had not yet released an official tally of arrests or seizures made during the morning's raids. The operation represents a major effort by São Paulo's justice system to disrupt the financial infrastructure supporting organized crime.
Based on reporting from g1.